MAR-31

Dyer: Neath still have some work to do

The Division one title will be decided next month, not this week, according to Neath Athletic boss Andy Dyer.

April has been highlighted as crunch time for Neath's title ambitions, so last night's win over championship rivals Pontypridd Town, was quickly played down by Dyer as a title decider.

Victory last night for Neath Athletic saw them move four points clear, with a game in hand and the potential to open up a seven-point gap.

But Dyer was adamant that the title will be decided in April, when his side face six crucial games.

He said: 'There are still 9 games to play, which is 27 points up for grabs, so it's not over yet by any means.

'More important than Friday night will be when Pontypridd come here next month, and we've still got to play some big games against the likes of Croesyceiliog, Goytre and Ton Pentre.

'By the end of April we'll know where we are.

'The next six games will be crucial but we're not thinking about last night as anything other than another game to be honest.'

Last season, Athletic's healthy lead was eventually overhauled by Goytre on the last day of the season.

MAR-31

Bellamy donation boosts Wrexham

All three played in last Saturday's crucial 1-0 away win at Bristol Rovers.

BBC

MAR-31

Morgan loves thrill of the chase

Welshpool Town are chasing European qualification for the first time in their history.

They stand third in the Principality Welsh Premier League and tomorrow Welshpool play Afan Lido in the Welsh Cup semi-finals.

That tie is at Aberystwyth Town (2.30pm), but manager Tomi Morgan dismisses talk of pressure.

'This isn't pressure, it's a real treat for us,' said Morgan. 'I want my players to enjoy themselves. If they don't enjoy chasing prizes they won't enjoy anything in football.'

South Wales Echo

MAR-31

Porthmadog's FAW appeal rejected

The Welsh Premier League side were deducted three league points and fined £13,200 by the FA of Wales in January.

The incident stemmed from a spectator's abusive behaviour towards a match official at Porthmadog's game against Cwmbran Town on 9 December.

Porthmadog chairman Phil Jones says the punishment is a "total overreaction".

"We're looking at taking this to an independent appeal because we can't let this go as it is," Jones told BBC Radio Wales after Friday's hearing in Cardiff.

"This has got massive implications for everybody. This was one supporter, a lone voice in the crowd that shouted one comment to the linesman.

"Many clubs in Europe have been faced with the same charges and have been given a minimal fine.

"And certainly nobody that we know of have been deducted three points."

Port were charged with "alleged failure of its supporters to refrain from abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language".

The incident was a first offence for the north Wales club, which had to pay £1000 plus appropriate costs within 21 days of the first hearing.

The balance of £12,200 on the fine was suspended until December 2007, and only be payable should Porthmadog be found guilty of another charge.

However the threat of paying that balance was removed on appeal but the FA of Wales Appeals Panel did order the club to pay £3000 in costs for the appeal hearing.

BBC

MAR-30

Neath take the spoils and move clear

Neath took a giant step towards their ambition of playing in the top flight of Welsh domestic soccer.

They travelled to take on their closest rivals Pontypridd and came out winners beating the home side 2-1.

Pontypridd lost their 3rd home game of the season and now drop 4 points behind Neath, and Neath have the luxery of a game in hand. And they must surely be odds on know to finish as champions.

View league table 

TONY

MAR-30

Summers poses fiery threat

Fire-fighter Chris Summers is aiming to ensure Neath Athletics' promotion dreams go up in flames.

Top scorer Summers leads the Pontypridd Town attack against promotion rivals Neath at Ynysangharad Park tonight (7pm) - and the teams still have to meet again at Llandarcy Park.

'Tonight isn't quite a must win, but we cannot afford to lose,' said Ponty official Clive Harry.

Former Cardiff City striker Summers, 35, is based at Whitchurch Fire Station and is Pontypridd's top scorer on 26 goals.

While Ponty and Neath fight it out for top spot, there is growing uncertainty near the foot of the table.

Bottom club Barry Town look doomed and Grange Quins seem likely to fall as well.

But three clubs, possibly four, will go down and even highly-ambitious Bridgend Town have slipped towards the danger zone.

They visit Pontardawe Town tomorrow, while second from bottom Ely Rangers host Newport YMCA and the Quins are at home to Bryntirion Athletic.

South Wales Echo

MAR-30

YMCA face relegation six-pointer

NEWPORT YMCA make the short trip to Cardiff where they take on relegation-threatened Ely Rangers knowing that victory will be a major step towards shrugging off the threat of going down from Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

But it remains unclear whether three or four teams will drop - the division running at one under strength - and the situation at the bottom of the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League is far from resolved.

Mark Coldrick, YM manager, said: "We are looking to increase the points gap between ourselves and Ely, but we've got to overcome a mini-blip having lost the last three games."

Central midfield player John Pardue, who has missed the last three matches, away on holiday, returns to the squad while central defender Gareth Lynch could miss out with a bruised foot.

South Wales Argus

MAR-30

Martinez: Trundle good enough for Ireland

MAR-30

County swoop for Bluebirds duo

NEWPORT County boss Peter Beadle has swooped to sign two exciting young players ahead of the Conference South transfer deadline, which slammed shut at 5pm last night.
In a real coup for the Exiles, boss Beadle has drafted in two Cardiff City players, striker Kyle Bassett, 19, and midfielder/defender James Simpson, 18.
The duo had been expected to sign senior deals with the Bluebirds in the summer but were told last week that they were among eight players being let go.
Both the players have represented Wales at under-19 level and were part of the Cardiff City side who reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup this season.
Both played at Arsenal's Emirates stadium in a thrilling 3-2 defeat, Bassett getting on the scoresheet in a game watched by 11,610.
With two players arriving at Spytty Park, one has also departed ahead of tomorrow's Conference South visit to Basingstoke Town (kick-off 3pm), reserve striker Matt Prosser joining John Relish at Bath City on loan until the end of the season.
After a busy day for Beadle (who missed out on the signing of a defender, also from Cardiff City), the manager was delighted with his new acquisitions.
He explained: "I feel we've signed two very talented young players with a big future and plenty of experience in the Cardiff reserve team, we are hopeful they can play a big part for us both this season and next.
"James (Simpson) is a midfielder comfortable anywhere in the back four, he is a six-footer and has an excellent range of passing.
"Kyle (Bassett) adds a new dimension to the forwards we already have, he's a real pace merchant, he gets up and down well and has a good eye for goal.
"I think these signings represent a real coup for Newport County, we are delighted they've chosen to come here because I have no doubt these two can be league footballers.
"James in particular seemed certain to be taken on full-time next season at Cardiff, for whatever reason it hasn't happened and we moved quickly for them.
"They join the squad at a good time, it's a real plus."

South Wales Echo

MAR-30

Shephard out for the season

Merthyr Tydfil's problems in front of goal have worsened with the loss of top marksman Garry Shephard.

The Martyrs, who entertain high-flying Hemel Hempstead Town tomorrow, have not scored in six outings and Shephard has now been ruled out for the season with knee ligament damage.

'We just can't find the back of the net,' said manager Paul Sugrue. 'We have created a sackful of chances, but it is just not happening.

'It really is hard to find out where the next goal is coming from. We have done all the shooting practice in training but we're goal shy and don't fancy our chances.'

Hemel, by contrast, arrive in a play-off spot and as third highest scorers in the Southern Premier Division.

'They will be tough but we will rally the troops and give it our best shot,' added Sugrue.

South Wales Echo

MAR-30

County focus on reaching play-offs

Newport County head to Basingstoke Town tomorrow with striker Craig Hughes urging his side on ahead of the final push for a play-off place.

County's bid for promotion from Conference South stalled with a midweek draw at home to Bognor Regis and Hughes knows they must do better tomorrow, against a side one off the bottom.

'We have 12 matches left and we know that it's now that counts because the games will soon disappear,' said Hughes.

'We have 10 games in April, which is a ridiculous number to play in such a short amount of time.

'That makes winning tomorrow even more important.

'We 're good enough to make the play-offs and another three points will certainly make the difference as we head into April.'

South Wales Argus

MAR-30

Macclesfield or the Millennium

FROM the high of the Millennium Stadium to the low of Macclesfield and Moss Rose, Steve Evans will now turn his attention away from international duty and back to the plight of Wrexham.

Evans made his first ever appearance for the national side at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday as Wales ran out 3-0 winners over minnows San Marino.

And after winning his fourth cap for John Toshack’s side, Evans will turn his attention to the bread and butter of a League Two fight to keep the Dragons in League Football.

"I just love playing football and I love playing football for Wrexham," said the giant centre back who joined Wrexham from Welsh Premier champions The New Saints in the summer.

"I just want to go back and give it 100% for Wrexham now, and hopefully I can do my best and help keep them in the league.

"It doesn’t matter if it is the Millennium Stadium or Macclesfield, I just go about the game in the same way. Every game is key and I just want to go out every week and get the win."

While Evans was away on international duty last Saturday playing in the first ever international football match at Croke Park, Wrexham moved to within a single point of climbing out of the bottom two relegation places with a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Daily Post

MAR-29

Rhys not content with breaking club record

Llanelli Star

MAR-29

Martinez deflects praise on his squad

Martinez has revived Swansea's fading promotion hopes with four wins and a draw in his first five games in charge.

But he said: "Every manager has got their own ideas and how they want to play, but at the end of the day it's down to the players on the pitch.

"Everyone in the squad has accepted the responsibility and have been up for the challenge. They have been great."

Martinez enjoyed a flying start to his managerial career with a 2-1 win against Rotherham, and his only dropped points so far came in a goalless home draw with mid-table Leyton Orient.

Swansea had to came from a goal down to beat Northampton 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium last Saturday - a performance which Martinez says highlighted the players' strength of character.

"It hasn't been easy but the players have expressed themselves on the pitch and worked hard," said former Swansea captain Martinez.

"The clear test was against Northampton after going 1-0 down, but their reaction was great as they never stopped doing the right thing and never hid from the responsibility of getting on the ball.

"Because they did that, they got their rewards. It was a fantastic positive we got from the game and it's given us a lot of confidence."

BBC

MAR-29

Nicholas: we're giving it are all

MAR-28

Walker: Pride is at stake in dogfight

RICHARD WALKER admits he is in a no-lose situation after joining Wrexham on loan from Port Vale, but for professional pride he will do everything in his power to help the Dragons move away from the League Two trap door.

Walker joined the Dragons on the same day as Hartlepool striker Michael Proctor and Carlisle goalkeeper Anthony Williams, and is one of a host of loan players cash-strapped Wrexham have had to plump for after an injury and suspension crisis over the course of the season.

But now Walker is at the Racecourse he is determined to give his all and help Wrexham pull away from Conference Football.

"I’ve still got another year on my contract with Port Vale and from my point of view I’m in a no-lose situation because come what may I’ll be back at Port Vale," said the defender.

"But there’s professional pride at stake and there’s also the chance to be part of something really special and help Wrexham to safety and finish as high as possible.

"This is a great chance for me to get some more games under my belt, but it’s not about that, because I know just how big this club is and what it means to people in the area.

"When you come to a club that is down towards the bottom of the league, you expect to come in and find the players are low on confidence and that morale is really low, but it is the total opposite here at Wrexham.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Jones: Its time to make history

Carmarthen Journal

MAR-28

Have faith in Evans - Smith

DENIS SMITH believes Steve Evans can play his league football at a much higher level – but will fight to the end to stop Wrexham being relegated.

The former Wrexham boss, who was sacked in January, predicted the defender would play for Wales when he signed him for the Dragons from reigning Welsh Premier champions The New Saints last summer.

Since then Evans has played three times for John Toshack’s side, including Saturday’s 1-0 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat to the Republic of Ireland, when the defender was arguably Wales’ best player as he made his competitive debut.

“Everybody laughed at me when I said he’d play for Wales,” said Smith yesterday. “But the lad’s got potential.

“He’s got everything to go on and play at a higher level in the league than he is doing at the moment. Obviously he’s playing at international level and there’s no higher level than that.”

Evans gave a typical no-nonsense performance against Ireland, during which he marked Robbie Keane out of the game until the Tottenham striker drifted to the other side of the pitch to exploit weaker areas of the Wales defence.

But Smith says anyone who thinks Evans is just a big man who can clear his lines is underestimating his talent.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Chopra winning fitness battle

It had been feared that Chopra could be out for up to a month with a hamstring problem, after the 21-league goal man was injured against Derby on 17 march.

Scimeca is also improved from a groin strain suffered away to Southampton.

But skipper Darren Purse has suffered a reaction to the back injury the defender seemed to be recovering from.

"Darren is probably the biggest doubt of the three," Bluebirds manager Dave Jones told the club website.

"Michael did have a small tear to his hamstring, but he has made good progress. Riccy had a tear in his groin, but that has healed pretty well.

"Tomorrow (Friday) will be the big day for both of them. If they can take part in training then they have a chance."

BBC

MAR-28

Sherbon on fire as Town left in trouble

Aberystwyth Town 2 Caernarfon Town 0

TWO first half goals from Luke Sherbon were enough to end Caernarfon Town’s four match unbeaten run and increase their relegation worries.

With Aberystwyth totally dominating the first half Andy Evans and Stuart Roberts led bottom of the Welsh Premier side, Caernarfon a merry dance but it was left to young midfielder Sherbon to apply the finishing touches.

He punished Caernarfon’s failure to clear a 10th minute throw in before doubling the lead 20 minutes later with a powerful drive from a pin-point low right wing cross from Stuart Roberts.

Aberystwyth took their foot of the throttle at the start of the second half but despite looking more secure at the back, Caernarfon were unable to take advantage and a scrappy 45 minutes ensued.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Druids remain in danger

Newi Cefn Druids 0 Llanelli 1

DRUIDS remain perched just above the relegation spot after suffering their sixth straight defeat with a narrow loss against Llanelli.

In an encounter of few chances, Jacob Mingorance's scrambled strike three minutes after half time kept Llanelli in with a shout of European soccer.

The Spaniard was on hand to fire home a loose ball from seven yards after keeper Carl Edwards had parried a cross.

Llanelli saw Efran Fernandez fire an early effort over from Dale Griffiths' right wing cross while Mingorance had a shot saved low down by Edwards.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Pool rescue valuable point

Welshpool Town 1 Carmarthen Town 1

A last-gasp penalty from top scorer Steve Rogers rescued Welshpool who appeared to be heading for their first defeat of the year.

Now unbeaten in nine league games since Boxing Day, the Lilywhites had found Carmarthen a tough nut to crack as Kaid Mohamed's 71st-minute strike looked to have settled the affair.

But to their credit, Pool kept battling away and deep into injury time earned a penalty when Paul Dowridge chipped a free kick over the wall, and Calvin Davies' snap shot was handled in the box.

Despite some protests from the West Wales men, Rogers stepped up to coolly convert from the spot for his 13th league goal of the campaign.

Daily Post

MAR-28

Martyrs are Hunt-ed down by strugglers

Merthyr 0-2 Northwood Merthyr turned in one of their most disappointing displays of the season against relegation-threatened Northwood.

The visitors looked anything but a side staring the drop firmly in the face.

By the seventh minute Northwood had the lead, Harry Hunt racing clear of the Merthyr defence to beat goalkeeper Ashley Morris with a sweetly struck shot.

That set the tone for the first 45 minutes with new signing Chris Holloway proving to be their only positive in the centre of midfield for Merthyr.

Having survived a scare on 28 minutes when Bradley Hewitt miss-kicked in front of an open goal, Merthyr created their best chance - an angled shot from Craig Steins was just out of the reach of Holloway's attempted lunge at the far post.

Merthyr came forward in the second period and after Gareth Warton had headed over, Steve Williams struck the outside of the woodwork.

But, the result was confirmed just before the hour when Warton was harshly penalised for a foul on Hunt.

The same player stepped up to double his team's advantage from the penalty spot.

Neil Smothers struck the cross-bar from 25 yards late on as Merthyr tried in vain to salvage something.

But it's now six games without a goal.

South Wales Echo

MAR-28

Newport denied at the death

Bognor 1-1 Newport Bognor's last minute equaliser left the County contingent feeling deflated, but manager Peter Beadle had plenty of positive thoughts to reflect on as his team's play-off flame is still flickering.

'It was looking like a typical smash and grab win before we conceded another goal from a set piece.

'I still look at it as a point gained - we put in a solid performance, but three points were not to be,' he said.

Charlie Griffin gave the visitors a 71st minute lead, only for Stuart Tuck to level things two minutes from time.

South Wales Echo

MAR-27

Pontypridd's crunch clash with leaders

Pontypridd Town face a make-or-break MacWhirter Welsh Football League clash with rivals Neath Athletic on Friday evening (7pm).

Neath regained top spot thanks to a 7-0 win against Barry Town, while Ponty fought out a goalless draw at Ton Pentre.

The top two are both chasing the one promotion place available and Neath have a game in hand.

Ponty, though, are unbeaten since October and still have to play Neath twice.

The first of those is at Ynysangharad Park on Friday evening.

Pontypridd were disappointed with their draw against Ton Pentre and they could have won it in the last minute.

Chris Summers, with 27 goals this season, had the best chance of the match.

He went round goalkeeper Marty Ellacott, but shot into the side netting from an acute angle.

While Pontypridd and Neath fight it out for the title and promotion, Barry Town looked doomed to relegation from MacWhirter Welsh League Division One.

They were the most powerful club in Welsh football only a few years ago, but the Dragons are facing another relegation after suffering a 7-0 defeat at Neath Athletic.

Striker Zak Misbah, 20, is out of the Barry team with a knee injury and he could miss the rest of the season.

Barry, who had former Cardiff City player Nathan Cadette sent off at Neath, are three points adrift at the bottom having played two more matches than Ely Rangers, the team immediately ahead of them.

They are five points behind Bridgend Town, who are fourth from bottom and have three games in hand on Barry.

Only Grange Quins have played more matches than Barry and both looked set to slip into the second tier of Welsh League football.

South Wales Echo

MAR-27

Merthyr in search for goals

Merthyr Tydfil entertain Northwood at Penydarren Park tonight with manager Paul Sugrue trying to solve one problem - how to score (7.45pm).

Saturday's 1-0 BGB Premier Division defeat at Hitchin Town made it five matches without a goal.

But Sugrue is not without hope of ending that run.

'We had two blatant penalty appeals and even their manager could not believe that the ref did not give one penalty, if not two,' he said.

'I approached him (the referee) afterwards and he said to give him a ring when I'd calmed down.

'I said I'd try in a month's time.

'We are creating chances and probably created more on Saturday than we have done in the last five games, but it's not all the forwards' fault.

'The midfield need to chip in with a few goals, and that must start tonight against Northwood, who are in the bottom three.'

Merthyr were missing eight players over the weekend, but should have Neil Smoothers, Gareth Phillips, Grant Thomas and Craig Steins back in the fold for tonight's clash.

South Wales Echo

MAR-27

Seasiders capture another former Shrew

He made his Football league debut for the Glovers in their final match of last season against Colchester as a winger, but is equally happy upfront. He's six foot, quick and has a good left foot.

He made his Shrews debut in the season's opener against Mansfield Town, which finished 2-2, when he came on as a susbtitute for fellow Welshman, Dave Edwards in the final minute and like Edwards, he was called up to the Wales Under 21's for the UEFA U21 Championship qualifier against Israel on August 16, 2006, but he was not selected to play.

Williams made three substitute appearances for Shrewsbury before being released from his contract on 31st January 2007 and although he was then expected to trial with Kidderminster Harriers, Coyne has swooped to sign a very highly rated youngster with great potential.

Williams joins his former Shrewsbury team-mate Gavin Cadwalllader at Park Avenue and whilst he will make his debut this evening at his new home against bottom of the table Caernarfon Town, Cadwalllader will be missing as he is serving a one match suspension following his sending off on Saturday.

Welshpremier.com

MAR-27

Bluebirds have Welsh wings clipped in Turkey

Merthyr Tydfil entertain Northwood at Penydarren Park tonight with manager Paul Sugrue trying to solve one problem - how to score (7.45pm).

Saturday's 1-0 BGB Premier Division defeat at Hitchin Town made it five matches without a goal.

But Sugrue is not without hope of ending that run.

'We had two blatant penalty appeals and even their manager could not believe that the ref did not give one penalty, if not two,' he said.

'I approached him (the referee) afterwards and he said to give him a ring when I'd calmed down.

'I said I'd try in a month's time.

'We are creating chances and probably created more on Saturday than we have done in the last five games, but it's not all the forwards' fault.

'The midfield need to chip in with a few goals, and that must start tonight against Northwood, who are in the bottom three.'

Merthyr were missing eight players over the weekend, but should have Neil Smoothers, Gareth Phillips, Grant Thomas and Craig Steins back in the fold for tonight's clash.

South Wales Echo

MAR-27

Evans thriving on being centre of attention

THREE or four years ago Steve Evans might have been tuning into the radio to listen to the likes of Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy in action for their country while he got on with his job as a plasterer.

At the time the 28-year-old defender, who did the day job before turning fully professional at perennial Welsh Premier table-toppers TNS, would never have envisaged himself playing alongside Manchester United and Liverpool stars.

On Saturday, however, not only did the Wrexham centre-half play alongside them, but he emerged with more credit than them as he shone while others flopped in front of 73,000 Croke Park spectators.

And the dream is set to continue at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow night as the Wrexham defender prepares to collect his third international cap in the Group D clash against San Marino less than 12 months after entering league football.

"It's been a whirlwind 12 months for me. I didn't expect to be here as part of a Wales squad," said the League Two player.

"It's all new to me. Sitting down to talk to a large group of journalists, for instance, isn't something I'm used to doing - as you might be able to tell!

"I've seen both sides of the coin. I got my hands dirty as a plasterer, a job I did while I was playing for TNS before I went full-time at the club for my last couple of years there.

"And now this, playing international football. It's fantastic, really.

"I've been given a chance (Evans made his debut in the November friendly against Liechtenstein) and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"I didn't have any doubts I could handle the step up. And the gaffer wouldn't have me here if he didn't think I was good enough.

Western Mail

MAR-27

FAW to boost funding for grassroots football

AN additional £100,000 of funding is to be pumped into the development of grassroots football in Wales over the coming year.

The rebranding of the Welsh Football Trust (formerly the FAW Trust) sees the contribution from the Football Association of Wales rise from £130,000 to £230,000 per annum over the next four years.

The increased funding will be ploughed into the development of girls' involvement in the game and disability football, along with the appointment of a technical director.

"We're proud of all that the trust has achieved in recent years," said Welsh Football Trust chairman Peter Lee.

"This extra investment from the FAW for the next four years means we have a solid foundation on which to build for the benefit of Welsh football."

Peter Lee said girls' participation in Wales was flourishing, with 3,908 now playing the game, a 42 per cent increase on last year and a 72 per cent increase since 2002.

A lot of work had been undertaken with FAW area associations and girls' leagues to reorganise competition structures and create new divisions within the leagues.

He said good progress continued to be made in disability football, with 14 new clubs, 18 new teams and a series of new competitions established and specialised training to support coaches and volunteers.

Western Mail

MAR-27

Massive task for County

The previous attempt to play the match was called off last month when the team coach broke down en route to West Sussex. Bognor had their own transport problems on Saturday when their game at fourth-placed Bishop's Stortford was delayed by 30 minutes because three of the travelling party were held up on the M25.

Once action did start, though, Bognor showed their potential with a 1-0 success doing County a favour against one of the sides the Exiles are looking to overhaul to reach a top five play-off place.

Beadle said: "If we can hang on to the shoulders of the top clubs by winning our games in hand there are possibilities for us, but we do need a monumental effort.

"Bognor are a footballing side but we have the potential to beat every team at this level and, with the exception of long-term injury victims Julian Alsop, Paul Cochlin and Tony Pennock, we have everyone fit after Friday's win against Fisher.

"It's a tough ask but we have to believe in ourselves and we need that effort in every game now."

South Wales Argus

MAR-27

Young guns will get me to major finals

WALES skipper Ryan Giggs last night insisted he could still achieve his dream of playing in a major finals for his country under John Toshack, but admitted, "We let the fans down in Dublin."

Reaching Euro 2008, and putting the missing ingredient from a glittering career onto his CV, has become close to impossible for the Manchester United star after Wales' shattering defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

But Giggs categorically refuted suggestions that defeat spelt the definitive end to his chances of appearing on the biggest stage of the lot with his country.

Although he conceded reaching the Euro finals in Austria and Switzerland was going to be very difficult for Toshack's men from here on in, Giggs believes Wales can have a proper crack at qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 with their young guns better prepared for the task in hand then.

"We're not even going to give up in this group yet while there are still points to play for," said Giggs.

Western Mail

MAR-26

A good weekend for Goytre in Gwent

HOST Caerleon couldn’t manage to hold reigning MacWhirter Welsh League champions Goytre United for a second successive week when they lost 3-1 at Cold Bath Lane yesterday.

It rounded off a good weekend for the Port Talbot-based side who visited Gwent on Saturday to inflict a 5-0 home defeat on Newport YMCA.

Not so well off are the YMCA, who fell flat on their faces in trying to get last Wednesday’s 4-3 Gwent Senior Cup defeat by Croesyceiliog out of their system when hosting Goytre United.

But it wasn’t the Mendalgief Road outfit’s day as they slipped to that emphatic 5-0 defeat, with manager Mark Coldrick giving his usual honest appraisal.

“They scored in the first minute, which put us on the back foot, and we simply failed to recover from that cup defeat in mid-week,” said Coldrick.

“On an extremely windy day, we were 2-0 down at the interval, recovered a bit after it, but some more sloppy defending has cost us again and the white flag has gone up.

“We need a win now because we’re being dragged into a relegation scrap and that’s disappointing because it appeared we’d climbed well clear of trouble not so long ago.

“But we’ll iron out matters in training this week before what has now become a massive game against Ely Rangers on Saturday.”

Indeed, that game is a crunch meeting because YMCA are now only four points above the drop zone, although they’ve played three games fewer than Grange Quins.

South Wales Argus

MAR-26

Garden Village in final for the very first time

A crowd of 130 saw Steven Evans and Gary Davies getting the goals for the Garden Village as they now have a date with Neath Athletic in the final.

The home side were missing several key players notably their first two choice goalkeepers, the position between the sticks fell to veteran keeper Norman Ward, who manages the club’s Third team, Ward donned the gloves and put in a first-rate performance as Village kept their fourth clean sheet time in their last five games. They were also missing two regulars in midfield.

It was the visitors who had the game’s first shot on goal but Ward was at hand to make a comfortable save. Ashley Richards headed over shortly afterwards but the deadlock was broken as early as the eighth minute when Steven Evans beat Didenko from close-range. Lee Rastatter re-claimed possession from St. Joseph’s and played a defence splitting pass through to Evans who struck the ball into the top of the net.

Ashley Richards, though, came closest on 23 minutes when he rattled the crossbar with a well-struck half-volley but all this pressure finally paid off as Village doubled their advantage three minutes before the break. Cameron Hopkins played the ball deep into the heart of the Saints’ box from a corner and player-coach Gary Davies was quickest to respond as he found the bottom corner of the net from 8-yards.

St. Joseph ’s dominated possession for large periods of the second half, but they were guilty for failing to turn their dominance into chances.

Match info supplied by Owain Johns

MAR-26

Neath hit Barry for seven

NEATH went goal crazy to return to the top of the Welsh League First Division yesterday with a 7-0 thumping of hapless relegation-haunted Barry Town.

They had been deposed from the No 1 position in mid-week with Pontypridd beating Bridgend, but yesterday the Llandarcy side made no mistake as they truly went on the rampage.

Liam Hancock and John Keaveney each scored two goals while Jarrod Price, Matthew Rees and deadly Carl Shaw were also on target.

Ponty were unable to pierce a resolute Ton Pentre defence at Ynys Park and the game finished scoreless.

Defending champions Goytre United, who have been a trifle inconsistent this season, were really on-song as they slammed troubled Newport YMCA 5-0, while at the other end of the table UWIC's improvement continued as they overcame Bryntirion 4-1. and both Ely Rangers and Grange Quins picked up crucial points in goalless draws against Croesyceiliog and Dinas Powys respectively.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-26

'We kept focused' - Martinez

SWANSEA manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for his side after they boosted their play-off charge against Northampton.

Andy Robinson's goal ensured it was four wins out of five for Martinez since taking charge and heaped further pressure on his promotion rivals in the race for the League One elevation.

Martinez said: "It was always going to be a huge test for us. Sometimes the hardest thing in football can be to win two home games in a row.

"Players can lose their focus and we wanted to make sure that did not happen today.

"But we had the worst possible start and had to show great character to come back from it.

"It is very difficult to dominate or control a game when you give away such an early goal. Free kicks like that only go in one time out of a hundred and it put us on the back foot straight away."

Martinez was also quick to highlight the difficulties in breaking down Northampton's five-man midfield, who arrived with the second best away defensive record in League One.

He said: "They made it very hard for us but that is nothing new, we have seen it at the Liberty Stadium all season.

"Teams come here and put a lot of men behind the ball and try to stop us playing."

In-form Robinson has made it three goals in as many games - much to the delight of the Swans chief.

He added: "Andy was superb again today, he has scored in our last three games and has been outstanding since I have been here

Wales on Sunday

MAR-26

Llangefni surge to the summit

LLANGEFNI joined Bala at the top of the table following a comfortable win over Llandyrnog, who hardly offered a threat.

Lee Dixon netted for the fourth time in five games to begin the scoring on 16 minutes, Ywain Gwynedd followed suit after 49 and Dave Nottage won a one-on-one with ’keeper Arwel Hughes for the last goal on 87.

Now unbeaten in 10 games, Llangefni could have bagged several more goals, with Marcus Orlik among those missing out.

However, the hosts never looked like wasting the opportunity to move away from Flint, who were without a fixture.

LLANDUDNO stayed in touch with the leading pack after getting back on track with a narrow success at Parc y Dre.

Danny Hughes netted the game's only goal midway through the first half, which proved enough for the seasiders despite the effort of the home side.

The win – Tudno’s 14th of the term – keeps James Cornish and Deniol Graham side in fourth place and moves them to within four point of Flint Town.

PLAYER-boss Gavin Allen bagged a hat-trick as Penrhyn continued their climb to safety after stretching their unbeaten run to four games.

Allen put his side on course with a 10th minute penalty after Josh Shaw had been fouled and doubled the lead on 25 after good work from Shaw.

Ian Williams pulled one back before the break after Kurt Williams' goalbound shot had been blocked on the line, but Penrhyn were not to be denied with Allen completing his treble on 65 minutes after a break from Tony Jones.

Daily Post

MAR-26

Real Hitch for Martyrs

Hitchin 1-0 Merthyr

QUITE simply, Merthyr can't find the net at the moment and it is costing them dear.

They were beaten in Hertfordshire by a Martin Standen penalty, given on 12 minutes by referee Nigel Hair, of Peterborough, after defender Craig Lima had been adjudged to have handled in the box.

However, by then the Martyrs could have been two or three goals in front, and their failure to score set the tone for the remainder of the game.

As early as the fourth minute, Tony Bird carved out a chance at the far post, only to see his shot blocked by goalkeeper Rob Beckwith. Rhys Carpenter volleyed over from eight yards only a minute later before Lima came forward for a corner on ten minutes only to see his header just clear the crossbar.

After the break, it was virtually one-way traffic, and at times the Hitchin goal led a charmed life.

Granted Merthyr were without five first-team regulars, and at one time had four of their successful youth team on the pitch, but they still continued to create opportunities yet somehow squander them.

Darren Davies, Moses, Bird and Carpenter had attempts that were either saved or went wide of the target, and for the fifth game in succession the Martyrs were unable to find the crucial goal that on this occasion would have brought the draw which was the least they deserved on the day.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-25

Welsh Premier round up

That extended the Lilywhites' unbeaten run to nine ahead of next week's Welsh Cup semi-final against Afan Lido.

A Rhys Griffiths hat-trick boosted Llanelli's European ambitions with a 4-1 win at Airbus UK.

An early goal from Eifion Jones was enough to give Caernarfon a 1-0 home win over Newtown, bringing the league's bottom side level at the foot of the table with Cwmbran.

Martin Houston twice put struggling Cwmbran ahead at Connah's Quay, but on each occasion Craig Garside brought the home side level.

The Crows found consolation in ending a nine-game losing streak.

On Friday night, second-placed Rhyl had closed the gap the Saints to three points with a 3-2 win at Newi Cefn Druids.

Andy Moran and Lee Hunt gave the Lilywhites a great start before Tim Edwards hit back for the home side.

Chris Roberts sealed the visitors' victory after the break, despite a consolation goal from Andrew Iniabere.

An injury-time header from Terry Evans boosted Carmarthen's European hopes in their 1-0 home win over Aberystwyth, the visitors seeing Gavin Cadwallader sent off in the 52nd minute.

An 89th-minute winner from Mark Smyth gave Bangor City a 2-1 home win in their derby with Porthmadog.

League Cup-winners Caersws crashed to a 4-1 home loss against Port Talbot, Dane Williams, Dylan Blain, Lee John and Martin Rose on target for the Steelmen.

BBC

MAR-25

Swans come back for victory

Northampton took the lead with a 30 yard free kick from Bradley Johnson, following an Izzy Iriekpen foul.

But with half-time looming, Swansea centre-back Dennis Lawrence seized on an Alan Tate cross to fire in a left foot shot from 12 yards.

Just after the break, Thomas Butler's cross found Andy Robinson free in the box, the Scouser making no mistake from six yards to keep play-off hopes alive.

The Liberty Stadium victory takes Swansea's winning run to three games.

BBC

MAR-25

Wrexham win at Rovers

New Wrexham loan signings Anthony Williams and Richard Walker proved solid in a goalless first half.

With the game drifting towards a draw, on-loan Cardiff midfielder Whitley powered in a short-range header from Shaun Pejic's cross to kill off Rovers.

The victory was just the second for Wrexham manager Brian Carey in his 15 games in charge of the Dragons.

BBC

MAR-24

Neath out to revive title hopes

Neath Athletic, who were knocked from the top of Division One in midweek, take on struggling Barry Town tomorrow.

Neath, who finished runners-up to Goytre United last season, are intent on grabbing the one promotion slot available from the Welsh League.

They are in a fierce battle with Pontypridd and they are really the only clubs left in it.

Ponty go to Ton Pentre tomorrow, while they still have to play Neath home and away.

While Neath and Ponty battle it out at the top, six clubs are in the relegation shake-up.

Bridgend Town and Pontardawe Town have been dragged into trouble with three, possibly four, teams to go down.

The bottom four are Barry Town (18 points), Ely Rangers (20), Grange Quins (21) and Uwic (21).

Today Barry are at Neath, Uwic travel to Bryntirion Athletic, Ely entertain Croesyceiliog and Quins make the short trip to Dinas Powys.

SOUTH WALES ECHO

MAR-24

Rhyl close gap on the leaders with victory

RHYL moved to within three points of table-toppers TNS last night following a hard-earned 3-2 victory over Newi Cefn Druids at Plastkynaston.

Andy Moran and Lee Hunt gave the Lilywhites a flying start and Chris Roberts sealed the win, with Tim Edwards and Andrew Iniabere on target for Druids.

An injury-time Terry Evans far-post header gave Carmarthen a 1-0 home victory over Aberystwyth to keep their European hopes bubbling.

The visitors were not helped by the 52nd-minute dismissal of Gavin Cadwallader, who brought down Nathan Cotterall on the edge of the box.

Bangor City reached the top six after a 2-1 victory over derby rivals Porthmadog at Farrar Road, thanks to a late Mark Smyth winner.

League Cup winners Caersws suffered a final hangover as they went down 4-1 at home to Port Talbot.

The Steelmen dominated, with Dane Williams putting them ahead in the first half and other goals coming from Dylan Blain (53), Lee John (54) and Martin Rose (85). Chris Venables netted for the Bluebirds.

WESTERN MAIL

MAR-24

Tough trip for Crows

The relegation-threatened Crows have only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last 27 league and cup games, in the surprise 2-0 home victory over Aberystwyth Town on December 1.

Indeed that was their last win, since losing nine successive matches - eight of them without scoring and tomorrow they come up against a trio of hot-shots who've rattled in a total of 49 league and cup goals this season.

Strikers Tommy Mutton and Adam Dickenson have 18 and 17 respectively while wide-midfielder Marc Limbert is on 14, a far cry from the Crows' top three hit-men.

In fact their 12-goal leading scorer, Jody Jenkins, is now with Haverfordwest in the Welsh Premier League and Croesyceiliog in Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

The next two highest are strikers Sam Small, with seven, and Martin Houston, five, although the pair have netted only four league goals between them - Small three and Houston one.

SOUTH WALES ARGUS

MAR-24

County bounce back

Games between County and Fisher have always been full of goals and although some of the defending did not match the quality of the attacking play there could be no complaints about the quality of the entertainment.

County looked relaxed and confident from the start and their first goal took 15 minutes to arrive when Fisher skipper Anthony Riviere turned a Jason Bowen cross into his own net.

The Fisher full back soon atoned for his error, however with 22nd minute cross which Charlie Hearn guided home.

It took two minutes though for County to regain the lead when Sam O'Sullivan, recalled for Richard Evans, finished off good work from Craig Hughes.

Again though County were pegged back when Jeff Goulding scored a fine solo goal for Fisher.

If County were deflated they showed no sign of it in the second half with Bowen and Steve Jenkins linking superbly down the right to set up the chance for Hughes to score his 20th goal of the season.

With Lee Fowler making an impressive debut in midfield, County's smallest league crowd of th season were being given an absolute treat.

The entertainment was capped by the best goal of the lot in the 71st minute when O'Sullivan made a great run from midfield and set up Charlie Griffin who tucked away his first league goal in County colours.

Fowler and Bowen both treated the crowd to some party pieces before being replaced but the message to the fans was clear that the season is still alive for County.

Delighted manager Peter Beadle was full of praise for the character shown by his players just 48 hours after the FAW Premier Cup final defeat.

SOUTH WALES ARGUS

MAR-24

Morgan tells players 'enjoy the moment'

As Welshpool Town enter the most existing period in their history, manager Tomi Morgan feels his players are well equipped the handle the tension.

Ahead of this afternoon's potentially difficult Welsh Premier clash at Haverfordwest, Morgan has told his players, 'This isn't pressure, this is a real treat for us.'

Morgan added, 'Many players here have been at clubs which have achieved nowhere near what we are trying to achieve and I want them to enjoy it.

'If they don't enjoy it, they won't enjoy anything in football.'

The Lilywhites are eyeing their first European qualification via two routes.

They lie third in the Welsh Premier, two points clear of Connah's Quay Nomads who have played a game more.

And, next Saturday, Morgan's men go head-to-head with Welsh League Afan Lido at Aberystwyth for a place in the Welsh Cup final.

WESTERN MAIL

MAR-24

New boys back Dragons to beat drop

WREXHAM loan signings Anthony Williams and Richard Walker insist their new team-mates have more than enough quality to beat the drop.

Former Wales U21 star Williams turned down opportunities to join Wrexham's fellow League Two relegation strugglers Macclesfield Town and Conference outfit Southport to go to the Racecourse until the end of the season.

He said, "Brian (Carey) has brought a few loan players in for the final push. But I think there's enough about the players here to do the right things and get the right results to bring success on the pitch."

Arriving at the Racecourse from Carlisle United, the stopper maintains even the Red Dragons' severely-depleted ranks with the absence of six first-team regulars should not be used as an excuse for poor results.

"It's not just about 11 players - it's the whole squad and I think it's up to the lads who replace those who aren't available to do the job just as well."

The lure of first-team football - Williams is expected to start today's contest with Bristol Rovers - and the opportunity to play for a Welsh club were chances the 29-year-old goalkeeper refused to turn down.

WESTERN MAIL

MAR-23

Cups of cheers for mid-Wales

COUNTY TIMES

MAR-23

Every games a cup final for Llanelli

LLANELLI POST

MAR-23

Beadle get a barrage of insults after defeat

Seconds after a clearly distraught Beadle left the pitch as the TNS celebrations began in earnest a County fan greeted the manager with a barrage of insults and criticisms.

While under no illusion that the better side won, Beadle was upset his players were so heavily criticised after giving what he felt was a committed performance.

He explained: "We were poor in the first half, the early goal didn't help us, but I thought we were the better team in the second half without creating enough chances.

"We missed two great chances in the first half, but they didn't threaten us much either and with a bit more luck we could've got back into it.

"On the night we fell short and I accept that, TNS were a little bit sharper and deserved to win.

"But I was really shocked by the incident after the game.

"I genuinely think one or two people come just to have a go at us.

"It's a shame, coming from where we've been in the last two or three seasons it was a great achievement to even be in the final. I agree we fell short, but I think some supporters need to get some perspective.

"It beggars belief as far as I am concerned, we're still in the hunt for a place in the play-offs, we've got to a cup final and to be told that I am a disgrace and my players are rubbish is too much.

"On the night we lost to a better team, simple as that, I will happily talk to any supporters about tactics or anything else, but I don't want to see people just criticising and shouting for the sake of it."

SOUTH WALES ARGUS

MAR-23

Feeney completes Cardiff switch

Cardiff have signed Luton's Northern Ireland international striker Warren Feeney on loan for the rest of the season.

The 26-year-old will sign a three-year contract at the end of the season when his Luton deal expires and he will make his Bluebirds debut in the home Coca-Cola Championship clash with promotion rivals Sunderland on March 31.

Feeney will initially replace Championship top scorer Michael Chopra, who will be sidelined for up to a month after picking up a hamstring strain the 3-1 defeat by Derby last Saturday.

Feeney began as a trainee with Leeds before linking up with Bournemouth and eventually joining Stockport.

Luton paid £175,000 for him in March 2005 and it is understood Cardiff have paid £75,000 and will give the Hatters another £50,000 if the Welsh club gain promotion.

Feeney is in the Northern Ireland squad to face Liechtenstein in Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier.

ICWALES

MAR-23

Duffy takes Rickett's Swans tip

"I got most of my information from Sam who told me a lot about the football club and about the city," Duffy said.

"I think the Swansea manager (Roberto Martinez) also 'phoned Sam to try and get a bit of information on me!

"Sam's been fantastic, but I've been brought here to play my own game - get in behind teams and stretch them."

"My main attribute is goal-scoring, I may not be involved in the game for 60-70 minutes but then pop up with a goal," said Duffy, a Scotland Under-21 cap.

"It was so frustrating getting a regular taste of first-team football with Hartlepool, going back to Hull feeling sharp but not getting my chance again.

"So when the opportunity came about to go out and get a run of games again I jumped at the chance."

ICWALES

MAR-22

New Saints lift Prem cup

Newport County, from Conference South, played their part on their home ground and should have led within 90 seconds when Craig Hughes missed from close in.

But Steve Beck, outstanding all night, gave Saints a sixth-minute lead with a cool left-foot finish into the net.

Despite plenty of goal-mouth incident that proved the only score as the Welsh Premier leaders held on to win.

Along with the trophy Saints also pick up £100,000 for their victory, while County have some consolation of the £50,000 awarded to the runners-up.

Newport should have been ahead within two minutes as a Jason Bowen run caused confusion in the visitors' ranks.

The Saints defenders left the ball to each other and it fell at the feet of Hughes six yards out, only for the striker to somehow blaze over the bar.

All Newport's early pressure was undone by a swift length-of-the-pitch counter-attack that saw Saints take a sixth-minute lead.

Beck chested down a raking diagonal pass before hitting a left-footed half-volley into the bottom corner of the net.

Veteran striker Dean Holdsworth, the former Wimbledon and Bolton player, nearly headed Newport level from a corner.

But Beck, so effective up the other end, fulfilled his defensive duties on the back post by hooking the ball off the line.

Hughes wasted another good chance to bring County level when played through, but he wanted too much time on the ball and was dispossessed.

Bowen also broke through on the right, played in by Nathan Davies, but Saints goalkeeper Gerard Doherty was smartly off his line to smother the danger.

Despite those chances it was the Welsh Premier side that looked the more dangerous and Beck flashed a shot just wide after being set up by strike partner Mike Wilde.

Newport were struggling to gain any foothold in midfield and all too often the players in gold invited a shot by failing to close down the Saints players.

John Leah nearly took full advantage before half-time as he strode forward from midfield, but Mark Ovendale produced a brilliant flying save to push his pile-driver around the post.

Wilde should have doubled Saints' lead 10 minutes into the second period when he exchanged passes with Beck to outpace Newport skipper John Brough, only to scuff wide of the right post.

Then Saints forward John Toner should have had a penalty soon after as he was elbowed off the ball.

But Toner's angry reaction, pushing his forehead into Ian Hillier's face, could easily have brought a red card if the County player had made more of the slight contact.

Newport continued to press for an equaliser and Holdsworth should have done better than spoon over the bar when the ball fell kindly in a goal-mouth scramble.

But Saints were always in wait on the counter and John Toner and Wilde, twice, both went close, although Ovendale had the danger covered each time.

BBC

MAR-22

Asda sells tickets for crunch soccer match

A struggling football club is trying to boost crowd size by selling match tickets at a supermarket.

League Two side Wrexham AFC, who are battling to avoid relegation, have released 1,000 tickets to be sold at the local Asda for only £5.

Staff have been offered incentives to sell the most tickets for the crunch home match against Mansfield on Saturday, March 31 at the club’s Racecourse stadium.

Asda manager Nigel Roberts said: "It’s vitally important for the community that the football club retains its Football League status.

"The tickets will be on sale at our checkouts and colleagues will be incentivised to sell the most. "All the colleagues are really behind the idea and very excited by it."

Wrexham’s chief executive, Anthony Fairclough, said: "It’s a great way to get tickets to the masses.

"More than 50,000 people come through Asda’s doors every week and this will help expose the campaign to people who don’t usually come to the club.

"This is their opportunity to take up the offer and enjoy a great day out at the Racecourse.

"These days you can buy pet insurance and all sorts of things at a supermarket – why not a ticket?"

BBC

MAR-22

Kick out 'daft' football rule, says Blair

Prime Minister Tony Blair today derided as “daft” a rule that saw an amateur football team docked 18 league points for fielding a “foreign” player who was registered in Wales.

Jermaine Darlington joined Ryman League club AFC Wimbledon from Cardiff City this season but failed to have his international registration moved from the Welsh FA.

The club, a fans-run co-operative founded after the original Wimbledon side was bought by foreign investors and moved to Milton Keynes, were kicked out of the cup and docked the points won in every game Darlington played.

The club will shortly learn if its appeal to the FA has been successful or if the points are docked and the side will drop from 1st to 16th in the league.

Mr Blair said the rule should be changed after he was quizzed on the decision by the local MP.

Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh said at Commons question time: “They (the club) didn’t know that they needed an international registration for this player to cross the River Severn to play football in south London.

“Would you give your support to the thousands of football supporters up and down the country who believe there should be justice for everybody’s team whether in the Ryman or the Premier League?”

Mr Blair said: “Actually I agree with you, as a matter of fact.

“I think she you are absolutely right. It sounds to me a daft rule, and someone should change it.”

SOUTH WALES ECHO

MAR-22

Swans land Hull front man Duffy

He joined Falkirk in 2004, where he scored 27 goals in 55 starts.

BBC

MAR-22

Kavanagh to miss out on Ninian return

Former Cardiff City captain Graham Kavanagh will miss Sunderland's Championship visit to Ninian Park on March 31.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder is battling back from knee surgery and is aiming to figure during the Black Cats' run-in towards promotion.

He admits: 'I'd love to play at Ninian Park - I have great affection for the club, but it could come a little too quickly for me.'

Meanwhile, Mackems boss Keane has told his players to take time off ahead of the clash on Saturday week.

'The gaffer wants us to take it easy,' said defender Jonny Evans, a 20-year-old on loan from Manchester United.

'A few of the lads are going to have a couple of days out of the country and then hopefully we'll come back refreshed.

'The remaining games are going to be mentally testing.

'Everyone knows we have the ability to get into the top two - just look at the fact we got seven points when we played Derby, Birmingham City and West Brom Albion - but we have to use this break to prepare for the run-in, starting at Cardiff.'

SOUTH WALES ECHO

MAR-22

Summers strikes to help Ponty go top

Pontypridd Town are top of the MacWhirter Welsh League for the first time in the club's history.

They moved above Neath Athletic thanks to a 2-0 win against Bridgend Town.

Goals from Chris Summers, taking his tally to 23 for the season, and Nathan Hosgood lifted Pontypridd into first place.

Grange Quins won 1-0 against Pontardawe to improve their hopes of survival last night, while Uwic's revival stuttered in a 1-0 defeat at Maesteg.

SOUTH WALES ECHO

MAR-22

Town up for Euro tester

CARMARTHEN JOURNAL

MAR-22

Wrexham track Port Vale's Walker

Defenders Ryan Valentine, Steve Evans and Lee Roche plus striker Chris Llewellyn are all also out of Brian Carey's team, the four suspended.

BBC

MAR-21

Beadle demands FAW Trophy triumph

"It is my first time in a final as a manager and for some of the players it is their first time in a final and we want to win it," Beadle said.

"In the 16 months I've been here it has been hard work to bring things to the level we are at now.

"There is a great opportunity to bring some silverware back to the club."

The Conference League South side needed extra time to see off semi-final opponents Port Talbot and book their place against the Saints.

Ken McKenna's Welsh Premiership leaders claimed the scalp of Championship promotion-chasers Cardiff City in their semi.

"I think both me and Ken will look at us as underdogs," Beadle added.

"We have home advantage so that goes in our favour but they are full-time and that will be in their favour.

"That gives them an extra edge and they work together every day, so they don¿t have the problems we do with players not been able to make training.

"They should be fitter and stronger and we will have to prepare the best we can but that extra edge could give them the difference.

"They are a big club and are champions and are used to winning and that is a good habit to get into and we know it is going to be a really tough game."

Beadle has almost a full squad to choose from, with only Paul Cochlin and Julian Alsop on the long-term injury list, although he is sweating on the fitness of Lee Collier who has a back strain.

BBC

MAR-21

Martinez ready to call in the foreign legion

BBC

MAR-21

Nomads and Reds secure maximum points

The prolific marksman was on hand to place the ball in the bottom corner passed Carl Edwards in the Druids goal from six yards after James Taylor mishit an attempted clearance. The chance came when the returning Adam Dickinson made space to slide a through ball, which was intercepted by Taylor, before his error.

There were a number of other one-on-one chances for the Nomads to extend their lead but they failed to take them, which ensured a nervy final few minutes for Nev Powell's men. The Druids' striker Mike Heverin looked dangerous for the visitors, but the Nomads defence always looked in command, which ensured another clean sheet for 'Keeper Paul Smith.

Llanelli got back to winning ways this evening after a 3-2 win at Stebonheath against a spirited Newtown side. The two teams met in the Welsh Cup at the same venue last month and the home side romped to a 7-0 win, which shows the progress that Darren Ryan's side are making.

Pressure was on Peter Nicholas' side after two consecutive home defeats against Aberystwyth and TNS, but they were almost always in control in this match, despite falling behind to a seventh minute penalty from Jamie Tolley.

The home side struck back through goals from Cortez Belle and strikers Rhys Griffiths and Jacob Mingorance and although the visitors pulled a goal back with over 20 minutes to go, again through Tolley, the Reds gained the three points to leapfrog Bangor City up to sixth in the table.

WELSHPREMIER.COM

MAR-21

Jones is happy to unleash his youth

Dave Jones will not hesitate to give youth a chance during Cardiff City's run-in towards the Championship play-offs.

Cardiff-born Chris Gunter, the Football League apprentice of the year, and Darcy Blake, from New Tredegar, are both in the first team squad, while there are other youth Academy players pressing hard.

One of the best is Caerphilly's Aaron Ramsey, a Welsh-speaking 16-year-old who has agreed a two-year scholarship contract with the Bluebirds.

Ramsey is a midfield player who shone and scored for the reserves in their 4-2 win against Yeovil Town last week.

His passing, movement and awareness picked him out as a young player of rare quality and Ramsey is likely to be involved again when the Bluebirds second string take on Bristol Rovers at home tomorrow

BBC

MAR-21

Robinson excited by Swans form

A 2-0 win over Chesterfield last Friday moved Swansea back into the play-off places in League One.

"We have a big chance at home against Northampton next week to get another win and make it three on the bounce," Robinson told the club website.

"We haven't done that all season and to get promotion you need to go five or six games unbeaten."

Swansea should be boosted for the Northampton game as Kristian O'Leary looks set to be fit after missing last Friday's win over Chesterfield with an ankle injury.

Club skipper Garry Monk will continue his comeback from a cruciate ligament problem in a reserve match against Cheltenham at Port Talbot on Wednesday night.

BBC

MAR-21

Chopra blow has Cardiff concerned

The Bluebirds have already lost defender Glenn Loovens for the rest of the season with a fractured foot.

BBC

MAR-20

Robins out to avoid a second crushing

NEWTOWN return to the scene of their heaviest defeat of the season when they make tonight’s testing Welsh Premier trip to full-timers Llanelli.

The Robins were rocked in early February when humbled 7-0 at Stebonheath Park in the Welsh Cup, with the scoreline somewhat harsh on Darren Ryan’s young side.

But they are determined to give a better account of themselves in the return this evening as they bid for much needed points to climb to league safety.

Both outfits go into the encounter on the back of two league defeats, with Ryan knowing his side need to get back on track to ensure they remain clear of what is becoming an increasingly congested basement pack.

But he can take heart from an improved display despite being narrowly beaten 1-0 at home to Connah’s Quay Nomads in their last outing a week ago.

A lack of cutting edge has been a problem, but the Robins chief has moved to bolster the firepower with the arrival of Port Talbot’s Richard French who made a solid debut against the Nomads.

Also signed are the Merthyr duo of Rhys Carpender and Tom Billing but a doubt surrounds their availability at the moment due to injuries.

With seven league games remaining, Newtown probably need a couple of wins to ensure they stay clear of danger.

DAILY POST

MAR-20

Lewis setting players a clear goal at Bath

Merthyr Tydfil head for the toughest test of their Southern Premier Division campaign tonight in search of added firepower.

The Martyrs travel to leaders Bath City - managed by former Penydarren Park boss John Relish - on the back of their sixth goalless draw of the season against Yate Town.

Assistant manager John Lewis is relishing the challenge, but knows they need that extra ingredient in front of goal.

'We know it's going to be tough, but they are all tough at this stage of the season,' he said.

'We've only lost one in five and with a bit more of a killer instinct up front, who knows?

'But it's not just the front runners, the midfield could have chipped in as well.'

Merthyr will be without the injured Garry Shephard and Neil Smothers while Gareth Phillips is suspended.

'We could have brought in a couple of players from the under-19s,' added Lewis. 'But they have a big game against Afan Lido and it would be unfair on them, so we will go with what we have got.'

SOUTH WALES ECHO

MAR-20

Bluebirds step up bid for striker

Cardiff City are keen to bring in Luton Town's Warren Feeney on loan for the rest of the season.

Their quest for Feeney has been stepped up following the hamstring injury which looks certain to keep Michael Chopra out of the next Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday week.

As revealed by the Echo last Thursday, the Bluebirds have been tracking Hatters' striker Feeney for some time.

He was left out of the Luton team against Ipswich after refusing a new contract.

He is out of contract and will be able to walk away for nothing this summer.

But Luton have demanded £150,000 compensation to push through a Feeney loan deal before Thursday's deadline on 'emergency signings'

Bluebirds manager Dave Jones revealed he had made a move to sign a striker on loan, although he would not reveal the player's identity, saying: 'When we tried to sign a player on loan his club wanted a £150,000 fee.

'We are not in a position to do that.

'If we were top of the Championship and playing to full houses at Ninian Park then okay, but we aren't.'

Sources in Luton confirmed Feeney is Cardiff's top target and the clubs were continuing talks yesterday.

Cardiff's bid to bring in Feeney looks crucial to their Championship play-off hopes.

They have eight strikers in the first team squad, but, with Chopra injured, only Steve Thompson has a proven record.

SOUTH WALES ECHO

MAR-20

Carmarthen's push for a place in Europe falters

The race for Welsh Premier honours took another sharp turn at the weekend as the season enters a fascinating and decisive final phase. The shakedown started on Friday night as Carmarthen's push for a place in Europe received a big blow following a disappointing last-gasp defeat at Port Talbot.

Dean Johnston's last-minute winner cruelly snatched a point from Mark Jones's men, who had looked odds on to get something out of a game of few clear-cut chances.

It left a frustrated Jones and Co to rue their luck after going for all three points in typically positive fashion, having set a target of six wins from nine games before kick-off.

But the task of qualifying for Europe through the Welsh Premier route is looking somewhat stiffer after defeat by the club he managed before moving to Richmond Park.

Jones remains unbowed, however, despite a tough run-in to the campaign.

"We still need to get six wins, but with Welshpool, Llanelli, Rhyl and TNS to come it gets harder each week," he acknowledged.

"We need to bounce back quickly, starting against Aberystwyth next week, and we still have the Welsh Cup to play for, so there's a lot of football left yet."

SOUTH WALES ARGUS

MAR-20

Izzy off to Euro final? Wait and see

NEVER mind the prospect of play-off glory, Swansea City's renaissance is being driven by the lure of the Champions League.

New boss Roberto Martinez has adopted a novel approach to inspiring his players - by offering two tickets for May's Champions League final in Athens!

"We've got little competitions in training and the boys are just buzzing," said Swansea defender Izzy Iriekpen, revealing Martinez' unorthodox incentive plan.

"One of them's called the Champions League competition where we play different games at the start of each training session.

"Whoever gets the most points at the end of the season wins two tickets to the final.

"The gaffer's got loads of connections, but he's also paying for the plane tickets as well as the match tickets.

"I definitely fancy that - and so do the rest of the squad.

"But it just goes to show that the gaffer's always thinking of doing something different with the boys.

"He's been brilliant working on sharpness and we are just trying to take that on to the pitch."

SOUTH WALES ECHO

MAR-19

Croesyceiliog Gwent's top dogs

CROESYCEILIOG earned much more than just local bragging rights following their 2-1 home MacWhirter League Division One success over Newport YMCA.

The Woodland Road outfit also struck a big physiological blow ahead of the club’s Gwent Senior Cup semi-final clash at Cwmbran Stadium on Wednesday, kick-off 7pm.

“We deserved the win and the YM had no complaints,” said joint Croesyceiliog manager Chris Evans.

“We had a bit of a problem beforehand when centre back Paul Belski dropped out because of family commitments.

“With the reserves having already set off for their game, it meant we had to draft in Mark Waddon onto the bench and he’s been out injured for a while.

“Then Gareth Pattimore got injured in the warm-up and had to come off after only 15 minutes, and then we’ve had Dale Evans carried off after a horrendous tackle.

“So you can see we’ve done well to win against YMCA, who have improved a lot recently. ”

The home side took the lead on 10 minutes when Chris Watkins’ low cross was turned in by striker Jody Jenkins, only for giant YMCA marksman Lewis Summers to level matters two minutes from the break with a finely taken free kick.

However, Croesyceiliog maintained tenth position when Mike Dewar scrambled the ball in from close range during the second period.

To compound YMCA’s woes, they had goalkeeper Gareth Yeoman sent off for bringing down substitute Lee Mason with nine minutes remaining.

“We weren’t really at the races and that’s disappointing, and so was having our goalkeeper dismissed,” said YMCA boss Mark Coldrick.

“To make matters worse, we’ve lost (striker) Aaron Stewart to what looks like a recurrence of his hamstring problem.

“So we’ve lost our ’keeper, our striker and they’ve secured a physiological advantage for the cup match, so it’s a triple whammy for us.

“But we’ll regroup and give it a real go on Wednesday, that’s for sure.”

SOUTH WALES ARGUS

MAR-19

Looks like Shaw thing for Neath

NEATH took a major step towards the Welsh League crown by overwhelming struggling Bridgend Town 3-0 yesterday.

Deadly striker Carl Shaw bagged two and Carl Jenkins was also on target.

Nearest challengers Pontypridd kept in the race for honours with a 4-0 demolition of Ely Rangers.

Dean Morris got a brace while Nathan Hosgood and Chris Summers got one apiece.

Defending champions Goytre Utd were surprisingly held to a goalless draw by visiting Caerleon and there were no goals either at Afan Lido with visitors Maesteg Park.

John Phillips scored two goals as ENTO Aberaman beat Bryntirion 4-0 while there were wins also for Croesyceiliog at home to Newport YMCA and UWIC against Dinas Powys.

Garw kept the gap at the top of the Second Division- but had their work cut out to secure a 2-1 home victory over Cardiff Corries.

MAR-19

Anxious time for Jones with injuries

CARDIFF boss Dave Jones faces a worrying injury list ahead of the Bluebirds' vital final seven games of the Championship run-in.

Glenn Loovens (right) is ruled out for the season and the Bluebirds boss is anxiously waiting for news on midfielder Riccy Scimeca and, most importantly, top scorer Michael Chopra.

Jones hopes both will be available for the visit of Sunderland to Ninian Park in just under two weeks, but he may still delve into the loan market despite limited success so far.

"Because we're not carrying a massive squad, these injuries do affect us," said Jones.

"We're trying to get people in and we went for someone the other day. But the price they wanted for just eight games, we just can't afford it. It's crazy

"If you go to Premiership clubs, they would be reserve players, but a lot of clubs aren't carrying big squads so they won't let them go. If you're asking for someone in our division, no one is going to help you.

"We can't bring them in from abroad, so it's frustrating for us, but we'll keep trying. We've got two weeks before our next game and, hopefully, Chops and Riccy will be back.

Western Mail

MAR-19

Llangefni close the gap on Flint

FLINT'S crisis of confidence saw the leaders crash to their second 2-0 home defeat in four days in this top-of-the-table six-pointer.

Llangefni made it nine games without defeat to complete a double over the faltering Silkmen who had nothing to offer up front.

A Dean Hughes curler just wide of a post on 39 minutes was the closest Flint came and it was Llangefni’s Kevin Lloyd who broke the deadlock on 56 minutes with a freak cross from near the byline that deceived keeper Andy Hughes. Lee Dixon put away a simple second for dominant Llangefni on 84 minutes to trim worried Flint’s lead to a single point.

THE Holyhead duo of Curt and Ian Williams were the inspiration for the Harbourmen as they beat Ruthin to avenge a 2-1 league defeat at their opponents’ ground in January.

Ruthin opened the scoring through Andrew Roberts on 32 minutes but Spurs’ Curt Williams capitalised on a long run by Ian Williams from the halfway line to equalise within 60 seconds.

Ian Williams turned in the second half goals, on 62 and 87 minutes.

PAUL WELBURN’S superb 73rd minute free-kick clinched a hard-fought victory for Prestatyn over stubborn Gresford.

Welburn’s 20-yard left-foot stunner into the top corner finally ended the brave resistance of a visiting side which restricted the hosts to few chances.

Gresford were unfortunate to have a goal ruled out on 47 minutes when Craig Williams’ header appeared to clearly cross the line.

Prestatyn’s Gari Thomas and Jon Fisher-Cooke had efforts scrambled off the goal-line in the second half, while only Dave Hayes’ clearance denied Athletic’s Williams a headed equaliser.

DAILY POST

MAR-19

Morgan happy to share the points

WELSHPOOL stayed on course for the European places after consolidating third spot with this windswept stalemate against one of their main rivals.

Manager Tommi Morgan felt it was a point gained after the two sides cancelled each other out in a keenly contested, yet scrappy affair at blustery Maesydre.

“The wind made it difficult,” he said. “Neither side deserved to lose and neither side deserved to win.

“The way the other results went, it was a point gained for us but there is still a long way to go.”

After surviving early penalty claims that Nomads front-runner Tommy Mutton had been brought down in the box, Welshpool enjoyed the better of the first period with Stuart Vernon shooting straight at keeper Paul Smith when in the clear.

Pool’s top scorer Steve Rogers twice went close to breaking the deadlock, first on 20 minutes when firing low past the far post from the right after Richard Harris had slipped a pass into his path from the edge of the box.

Then, seven minutes before the break, the striker’s header at the near post was turned onto the post by Smith following Vernon’s corner from the left.

Chances were equally scarce after the interval and the long ball was the order of the day, although the Nomads enjoyed more of the second period.

Gary Pinch headed well wide from a Paul Carvill corner, Chris Melia poked a shot past the near post while Chris Williams fired over late on after a long throw-in from sub Phil Molyneux.

But a draw was a fair reflection of proceedings, with the result more favourable for Welshpool who remain five points clear of their rivals in third place.

DAILY POST

MAR-19

We rode our luck admits McKenna

THE New Saints tightened their grip on the league crown after a last-gasp own goal took them six points clear at the top.

Manager Ken McKenna admitted rivals Llanelli had been somewhat unfortunate at blustery Stebonheath Park.

“It was a fantastic win as Llanelli are a very good team,” said the manager.

“I would have settled for a point the way things went as we only played well in patches. We probably didn’t deserve the three points, but we’ll take them as we’ve not had a lot of luck this season.”

After seeing Carl Lamb’s early opener cancelled out by Jacob Mingorance on the hour, the Saints stole the points in dramatic fashion three minutes into injury time when Barry Hogan’s cross from the right skidded into the net off Stuart Jones at the near post under pressure from Mike Wilde.

DAILY POST

MAR-18

Caersws beat Rhyl in cup final

Caersws upset the odds in beating Rhyl today in the Challenge cup final played at Park Avenue Aberystwyth.

The game ended 1-1 after extra time and the Caersws players held their nerve to win 3-1 on penalties.

Today's victory makes it the 3rd time the Bluebirds have lifted the Challenge cup following on from victories in 2000-01 when they beat Barry Town 2-0, and the following season they retained their trophy beating Cwmbran 2-1, all 3 final victories have been at the same lucky venue.

Tony

MAR-18

Defeat leaves Crows trailing

FACING the strong possibility that two clubs could be promoted to the Welsh Premier next season, Cwmbran desperately needed a win to stay close to the three clubs above them.

However, after this comprehensive defeat by the bottom club, they now trail that trio (Newtown, Airbus and Newi Cefn Druids) by four points.

In contrast, Caernarfon's win gave them a priceless three points, and they are now just two points behind Cwmbran, with a game in hand.

Things did not look so bleak for the home fans at half time. They had competed well, but the clear cut chances just would not come.

In contrast, defender Lee Bamber, on a rare excursion upfield for the North Wales visitors, had grabbed the one chance that came his way to give Caernarfon the lead.

Again, the home side started the second half brightly, but their hopes turned to despair when John Rowley grabbed the second for Caernarfon, 11 minutes into the half.

However, fate had another kick in the teeth in store for the home fans, when the visitors were awarded a penalty right on the final whistle, and Leighton Maxwell put it away to rub salt into the wounds.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-18

County Havant much to savour

Havant 3-1 Newport County

FOR the second time in five days County slumped to a 3-1 defeat in Hampshire and, while for 70 minutes their performance was better than at Eastleigh on Monday, the outcome was bitterly disappointing.

High flying Havant took an 18th minute lead with a Tom Jordan header from a corner but County came back strongly and Jason Bowen levelled from the penalty spot in the 44th minute after being fouled by Luke Byles.

With the advantage of a steep slope in the second-half the large County contingent was confident that their team could capture all three points and for a time it appeared it would only be a matter of time before Havant cracked, but with goal chances at a premium County failed to make their territorial advantage count and in the 68th minute Rocky Baptiste forced only the second Havant corner of the game and then soared to head home from the flag kick.

Havant immediately took charge and subjected County to non stop pressure for the rest of the game with Tony Taggart rounding off the scoring with a fine individual effort on 79 minutes.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-18

Jones nets late winner for New Saints

Home striker Jacob Mingorance cancelled Carl Lamb's early opener after 60 minutes, but Stuart Jones snatched victory with a goal three minutes into stoppage time.

Bottom side Caernarfon won the basement battle as they cut the gap on Cwmbran to just two points. Lee Bamber, John Rowley and Leyton Maxwell scoring in the 3-0 away win.

Gareth Caughter's 68th-minute strike for Porthmadog meant the points were shared with Airbus UK at Y Traeth.

Welshpool and Connah's Quay Nomads also had to settle for a point each after a goalless draw.

On Friday night, Dean Johnston's 89th-minute goal gave Port Talbot a 1-0 win over Carmarthen Town.

BBC

MAR-18

Derby run out comfortable winners

Howard put Derby in front on 27 minutes after converting a penalty awarded for a Steve Thompson handball.

Cardiff levelled four minutes later as Paul Parry finished with aplomb after Jay McEveley's sliced clearance.

Michael Chopra then hit the Derby crossbar, but Barnes put the home side ahead shortly after the break before Howard swooped for his second.

Derby boss Billy Davies:
"It was important at half-time to get one or two to believe in themselves a bit more and it happened.

"I asked them to show a bit more belief as our play in the opening 30 minutes didn't reflect our league position.

"We looked a bit nervous in the opening half hour and we have done at this place all season."

Cardiff boss Dave Jones:
"I think it will be between Birmingham, Sunderland, Derby and West Brom for the top two positions, but I can't pick them.

"We needed to win today to give ourselves a chance - to put ourselves four points behind Derby.

"But 10 points is a lot at this stage of the season with so few games left so we'll probably be fighting for that play-off spot."

BBC

MAR-18

Wrexham slip back into relegation places

Lee McEvilly put Wrexham ahead with his fifth goal in as many games after being set up by Neil Roberts' square pass.

Keith Andrews levelled from the penalty spot after Lee Roche was harshly judged to have handled and then sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Wrexham held on bravely until Platt's late header from Jonathan Hayes' cross.

The visitors then played the final few minutes with nine men after goalkeeper Michael Ingham went off injured with all three substitutes already on the field.

BBC

MAR-17

Eight would be great for Belle Vue manager

RHYL manager John Hulse will be without three key cup-tied players for tomorrow’s Challenge Cup Final against Caersws as he targets his eighth trophy in five triumphant years at Belle Vue.

Hulse’s midas touch includes victories in the finals of 2003 and 2004, only to miss out on a hat-trick in the 2005 final.

“Now we are through again and looking forward to another big occasion,” said the Lilywhites boss.

Not even the absence of Chris Roberts (ex-Cefn Druids), Paul Roberts (Bangor City) and Ross Stephens (Caersws) has dimmed Rhyl’s confidence, with a strong squad ready to fill the gaps.

Hulse added: “We always knew we would be without these lads but it means that the players who got us into the final get the chance to finish the job and bring another prestigious and profitable trophy to Belle Vue.

“It’s going to be tough because Caersws are a hard-working side with a fine manager in Mickey Evans. We drew 1-1 there in the league in December and they are always capable of beating the better sides, so we know what we’re up against.”

Daily Post

MAR-17

Top faces second as title race heats up

SECOND-placed Llangefni face a crunch test at Flint today after dropping four derby points in the last week .

Flint are three points ahead of Llangefni having played a game less.

Llangefni general manager Bryan Owen said : “All of our games are vital these days and none more so than this one – it is a real six-pointer.”

Llangefni, unbeaten in eight games, will reinstate first-choice keeper Farai Jackson, who was unavailable in midweek when 16-year-old Liam Ewing made a fine debut.

Also returning are full-back Gavin Owen and forward Alun Jones.

Flint will be without utility player Stuart Hughes as they look to bounce back from a shock 2-0 home defeat by newcomers Mynydd Isa in midweek, writes Mike McEvoy.

Manager Dave Beck said: “With Llangefni only drawing in midweek and us having a game in hand over them a good result today could kill them off.

“They beat us 2-1 at their place a month ago so we need to make certain of the points. How we lost to Mynydd Isa after having 85% of the game I’ll never know. We did everything but score.

“Now we have a great chance to get back on track and we must make sure we take it.”

Prestatyn Town, on a run of 14 games without defeat after winning 4-0 at Bodedern, could go third if they sink Gresford today.

Title outsiders Glantraeth have a tough test at Buckley Town, where they clinched the crown last season.

Daily Post

MAR-17

Pontypridd: No cash for promotion

Pontypridd's top football club will not get financial backing from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to ensure promotion to the top flight of the Welsh game, writes .
The council has revealed there is no budget available for Pontypridd Town but it is doing what it can to support the club and other organisations.
The Ynysangharad Park-based club are second in division one of the Welsh League and within touching distance of the Premier League.
They need to finish in the top two and make sure their ground meets Premier League standards.
But according to club chairman Max James, that means nothing to the council who owns the ground.
He feels it is an example of the authority shunning leisure development in the town.
Mr James said: 'In this area of Wales there is no representation at the highest level of football.
'This club should be supported, it would mean a great deal to Pontypridd as a whole.'
The club has had £15,000 from the Welsh League but were hoping for more - a club in their position last season would have had £20,000.
What upsets the club is other teams in division one are getting more funding.
Mr James said: 'It has shocked everybody.
'When we went to a meeting for the clubs the new chairman of the League said: 'why should we support these clubs who want to leave us?'
'It leaves the club requiring £20-25,000 to upgrade the ground by May.'
The club are now considering playing outside the borough in a bid to get into the Premier League
They have been told they can't use the Michael Sobell ground in Aberdare should they not get funding for the Ynysangharad Park venue.

David Williams

MAR-17

Swans ease into play offs place

Evening Post

MAR-17

Jones: 'Show me Cardiff City is a big club.'

Dave Jones has thrown out a challenge to the people of South Wales, saying: 'Show me Cardiff City is a big club.'
Bluebirds manager Jones has now been in charge at Ninian Park for almost two seasons and attendances have risen, but even a big challenge for promotion to the Premiership has failed to spark a major increase.
'Everybody tells me this is a big club, but we've been up there all season and we are getting 13,000 at home games,' said Jones. 'When we move into our new stadium we'll have to find another 16,000 or 17,000 people.
'What else can we do except be right up among the leading teams in the Championship?'
City are competing against clubs from England who, thanks to Premiership parachute payments and big attendances, have spent millions on their team.
'That's why I am so pleased with what the players are doing,' said Jones.
'All we can do is keep getting it right, but attendances have been disappointing. Those who come to Ninian Park have been magnificent, but we need more.
'Everybody says this is a massive club, a sleeping giant. Well, when does it wake up?
'Don't talk to me about crowds at Ninian Park in the 1950s and 1960s. That's in the past and everybody had big crowds back then.
'I could show you Walsall and Stockport attendances which were way up there.
'I just wonder when I will see the evidence through attendances that Cardiff City are indeed a big club.'

South Wales Echo

MAR-16

Ponty seek home comforts

Three points cover the bottom four clubs - Grange Quins, Barry Town, Uwic and Barry Town - while Pontardawe and Bridgend Town are not yet out of trouble

There could be four teams relegated if Cwmbran Town crash out of the Welsh Premier.

Tomorrow, Bridgend are at home to Neath, while struggling Grange Quins entertain Taffs Well.

UWIC, bolstered by an influx of players from the Cameroon, are at home to Dinas Powys.

There are matches on Tuesday evening with Quins entertaining Pontardawe Town, Maesteg Park at home to Uwic and Bridgend travelling to Pontypridd.

South Wales Echo

MAR-16

Steelmen look to halt that slide

Chris Barney

MAR-16

Reds test against the best

Chris Barney

MAR-16

It’s not all about one game, says Wharton

Now it's the Crows facing the Canaries and whoever is left flying the highest, will almost certainly retain their Welsh Premier League status.

Not that Wharton sees it quite like that: "I've already told my players that it's not all about the outcome of tomorrow's match," he said. After this match we'll have 21 points to play for and Caernarfon 24, so that's a lot to be won and lost.

"Newtown (who Cwmbran trail by four points having played a game less) also keep losing, so they in the mix as well."

The Crows have suffered eight straight defeats, seven of them without scoring,

South Wales Argus

MAR-16

Promotion push on a knife-edge

Tomorrow they travel to Havant and Waterlooville (kick-off 3pm) a team who certainly fall into the promotion chasers category (third in the league, 11 points ahead of County but having played two games more).

It is a vital game and Beadle is desperate for his side to improve their confidence on the road.

He explained: "We've not played really well for a few weeks, I don't know if it is a lack of self-belief or a lack of character or what, because the endeavour of the players is generally spot-on, though we were dreadful on Wednesday.

"I watched Havant in the week and they are a good side, but we are still very much in the hunt for the playoffs, we just need a couple of wins on the spin.

"We have tended to be at our best when our backs are against the wall, so I expect a reaction from the players tomorrow."

County will welcome back striker Dean Holdsworth after he missed the trip to Eastleigh for personal reasons and defender Steve Jenkins is likely to have overcome a calf strain.

South Wales Echo

MAR-16

Lewis insists play-off spot is still possible

We just need a decent run. Put it this way, if we win our next three games we will be in a play-off spot - that's how close we are.


'The commitment is there, it's the quality that's missing sometimes and the need to calm everything down and start again. But the lads know this and once we start passing the ball around there will not be too many teams that can match us.'


Newport County's on-loan midfielder Sam O'Sullivan has not returned to Penydarren Park and looks set to stay at County.

South Wales Echo

MAR-15

Cardiff chase Luton star

CARDIFF CITY have confirmed they are targeting Luton Town striker Warren Feeney in their quest to strengthen their strike-force for next season.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale told the Echo that Cardiff are watching Feeney, who is out of contract at Kenilworth Road this summer.

Feeney and Hibernian striker Chris Killen are both high on Cardiff's wanted list, although manager Dave Jones will not make any moves until he knows whether the Bluebirds will be playing Coca-Cola Championship or Premiership football next season.

Cardiff have previously made offers to Luton for Steve Howard, now with Derby County, and Rowan Vine, now playing for Birmingham City.

Feeney, 26, has opened talks with Luton on a new contract, but has told manager Mike Newell he does not want to drop out of the Championship.

South Wales Echo

MAR-15

Jones "Everything to play for"

Carmarthen Journal

MAR-15

Jewell says no to Swans Cotterill bid

SWANSEA CITY have failed in an audacious bid to sign Wales striker David Cotterill.

The £2m teenager was at the top of new boss Roberto Martinez' wish-list to solve Swansea's striker crisis ahead of tomorrow's League One visit of Chesterfield.

The seven-times capped Cotterill has failed to make his mark at Wigan since joining the Latics in a record deal from Bristol City last August, making only five Premiership starts and scoring just once - in a 2-0 win at West Ham in December.

Martinez had been hopeful that his old club might be persuaded to let Cardiff-born Cotterill out on loan given the prospect of first-team football at Swansea with Bayo Akinfenwa injured and Lee Trundle suspended.

But Wigan boss Paul Jewell was reluctant for the 19-year-old to leave the JJB Stadium, however briefly, with the Lancashire club involved in a battle to retain its Premiership status.

Western Mail

MAR-15

Ridsdale rubbishes shoot out idea

The radical proposal will be discussed by Football League chairmen and chief executives at a board meeting on Thursday.

But Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale told BBC Sport: "It's a nonsense idea and won't make the game more exciting.

"People will come to Cardiff, stick 11 men behind the ball hoping for a draw and the try to beat us on penalties."

The idea was originally put forward in the recent Football League Fans Survey.

There are currently two proposals to be considered - a traditional penalty shoot-out or where a player would have eight seconds to try and score after receiving the ball on the half-way line.

But Ridsdale added: "If you look at the top of the Championship at the moment - it's never been so exciting so why change something that's not broken?

"I just hope everybody expresses the same view as us at the meeting and that's we are totally against it."

BBC

MAR-15

Two-tier plan for City's stadium scrapped

PLANS to build Cardiff City's new stadium with two tiers throughout have been scrapped.

Less costly designs for the Leckwith arena that will only have one tier on three sides are expected to be approved by the city council today.

The new proposals submitted to Cardiff council's planning committee show the West Stand - the side closest to the Leckwith hill - would be the only double-decked area.

However, it would remain possible for an upper tier to be developed on the North, South and East stands if the Bluebirds reach the Premiership.

That will expand the original capacity from 25,000 to 30,000 with the West stand playing host as the hospitality section of the ground.

Mike Hall, director for PMG Developers, the company responsible for delivering the new stadium, said: 'The original design came about when Sam Hammam was at the club.

'It was simply too expensive for the club to build. We've worked with builders Laing O'Rourke to come up with a cost-effective stadium which will still look absolutely fantastic - with at least 25,000 seats.

'We've always got the ability to build on that again.

'If, for example, we get to the Premiership, we could add to the East stand almost straight away.'

South Wales Echo

MAR-14

Bluebirds joy at Thompson strike

Jones preferred to start with Irishman Jason Byrne partnering Michael Chopra up front at St Mary's.

But Scotland international Thompson replaced Byrne after 60 minutes and was on the scoreboard within moments of getting on the pitch.

BBC

MAR-14

Reds crash and miss big chance

WELSH CUP semi-finalists Llanelli missed the chance to gain ground on the leaders as they crashed at Stebonheath Park to bogey side Aberystwyth.

The Reds went unbeaten in 17 league and cup games until the Seasiders halted the run in the Challenge Cup back in November and since then both teams had won just twice in 11 Premier matches.

The Seasiders got off to a flier when defender Christian Edwards scored his first goal for the club with a header from a corner after just 11 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for the Reds when keeper Duncan Roberts was sent off seven minutes later for striking Aneurin Thomas and Luke Sherbon beat stand-in Gary Lloyd from the spot.

Although Antonio Corbisiero pulled a goal back with a neat free-kick, Aber restored their two-goal lead before the break through Gavin Cadwallader with a far-post header.

Western Mail

MAR-14

TNS fury at Spytty Park final

Multi-millionaire Harris is fuming that Spytty Park was chosen as the venue for the final by the competition's board of directors last week.

The board decided without consultation that the Saints would have to travel whatever the outcome of last Tuesday's semi-final between Newport and Port Talbot Town, which County won 2-1.

"BBC Wales (competition sponsors) expressed the wish that the match was played at the ground of one of the finalists, not a neutral venue," said a statement from the cup's board of directors.

It added that TNS' Treflan ground "was not considered suitable and did not have the infrastructure required" and rejected a plea from the club for the game to be staged at the stadium of a Welsh-based Football League side.

However a furious Harris said: "We would be happy to play the final at Newport if it resulted from the toss of a coin, witnessed by representatives of both clubs.

"This arbitrary decision is totally unfair and certainly smacks of south Wales bias, in my opinion.

"We also fail to understand why Treflan's infrastructure is now being called into question when it has met the competition's criteria for several years and we have staged many live televised games at the ground."

Harris has made representations to the Premier Cup board via WPL secretary John Deakin and says that, if the decision is not reconsidered, he may consider legal action.

This would almost certainly delay the final from its scheduled date of Wednesday, March 21.

The game is worth £100,000 to the winning side, the losers receiving half that amount while the finalists will share a £7,500 facility fee for the match being televised live on BBC Wales.

South Wales Argus

MAR-14

County looking to strengthen midfield

It is now unlikely that a deal will be reached until early next week as the player County are trying to sign is suffering with a slight ankle injury.

Beadle is keeping the identity of the player under-wraps, but the Argus understands a deal has been reached with a Conference club for the central midfielder.

Beadle has now also been given the green light to complete the deal after the player in question confirmed that he does want to move to Spytty Park, but the injury has delayed things.

County are desperately short of central midfielders at the moment as Lee Jenkins and Darren Garner have been released and Lee Collier limped off after half an hour of Monday's 3-1 defeat at Eastleigh.

Beadle explained: "Things are progressing in terms of the new signing, but he has a slight injury and that means it probably won't be done until next week."

South Wales Argus

MAR-14

Nomads need that Williams strike

CONNAH'S QUAY moved into fourth spot in the Welsh Premier and gave their European hopes a boost with a narrow victory at Latham Park last night.

Nomads had dropped to sixth in the table and the points were more important than the manner in which they got them.

In a fast and often furious affair, defences generally remained in control, with the Robins new signing Richard French, the former Port Talbot and Swansea City front man, trying manfully to unlock a stout visitors' rearguard.

But fortune favoured the Nomads when 12 minutes from time Marc Limbert's supply found the knee of Chris Williams and the ball found the home net in a cruel twist of fate.

But the evening was soured for the visitors when leading scorer Adam Dickinson received his marching orders five minutes from time for a second bookable offence.

Western Mail

MAR-14

Merthyr and Mangotsfield draw a blank

Merthyr Tydfil 0-0 Mangotsfield. For the second time in a fortnight Merthyr were unable to break down a visiting side, content to sit on the point already in the bag at kick-off.

Despite plenty of endeavour a goal rarely looked like coming with Merthyr struggling to create a great deal and unable to build up concerted periods of pressure that may have worn down the resistance of the Bristol-based outfit.

Veteran striker Tony Bird showed his control of the football is still intact even if he hasn't quite got the fleet of foot that once troubled defences at a much higher level.

But not even he could provide the magic touch needed to turn one point into three for the Welsh side.

Gareth Warton and Jamie Rewberry went close with headers before the interval while Gareth Phillips did at least work visiting 'keeper Steve Book midway through the second half with a controlled shot from 20 yards.

Merthyr 'keeper Ashley Morris made two decent stops, one from Ellis Wilmot on the hour and another to cut out a dangerous cross from substitute Christian Sylvester but that proved to be the sum total of the visitors ambitions.

Merthyr are home again on Saturday, with Yate the visitors before they travel to leaders Bath City next Tuesday. Merthyr boss Paul Sugrue will be hoping that they will have re-discovered they goal-scoring touch by then.

South Wales Echo

MAR-14

Scouting role for Nugent

Tony

MAR-13

Llanelli v Carmarthen semi venue decided

The venue is Haverfordwest's Bridge Meadow. The kick off time has yet to be decided due to the live coverage of the game by Channel 4's SC4.

So that means our Semi-final has been set for the Saturday, no venue or time has reached me as yet.

Tony

MAR-13

Pressure mounts on Cwmbran

The Canaries drew 1-1 at Caersws, who beat the Crows 5-2 at Cwmbran Stadium a week ago last Saturday, just seven days after they ground out a 0-0 draw at second-placed Rhyl.

Caernarfon are enjoying a mini-revival, having taken six points from the last 15 on offer, while Cwmbran's 1-0 loss at Carmarthen Town on Friday was their eighth successive Welsh Premier League defeat.

It all leaves manager Sean Wharton's men just five points clear of their bottom-placed opponents, who also have a match in hand although they have an inferior goal difference.

Despite that reverse at Carmarthen, Cwmbran produced their best display in weeks and Wharton will want more of the same on Saturday.

However, he faces a selection dilemma because goalkeeper Gareth Wesson is available again after missing the Carmarthen trip due to family commitments.

Keiron Blackburn stepped in against the Old Golds and was outstanding in making several fine saves to deny the home side a larger victory.

South Wales Argus

MAR-13

Brian Carey has ruled against extending keepers loan

The 21-year-old keeper had expressed a desire to stay and help with the League Two side’s battle against relegation after completing his one-month deal.

But with Mike Ingham returning to full fitness Carey yesterday decided to send Ruddy back to parent club Everton – despite having only Michael Jones as back up.

With Ingham set to join up with Lawrie Sanchez’s squad next Monday, the manager is hunting for another shotstopper ahead of the Dragons’ clash with Bristol Rovers on March 24.

Said Carey: “Ruddy has gone back to Everton as Mike Ingham is going to be fit now again and I would just like to thank him for his efforts.

“Ruddy wanted to stay for another month but we have decided to send him back. It wasn’t a case of Everton calling him back and t wasn't a money issue.

Carey added: “With the international matches the following weekend, Mike will be going on the Monday, March 19.

“So we will have to deal with that when it happens.

“We will just have too look at it closer to the time, but a loan is a possibility as it is for other positions.”

South Wales Argus

MAR-13

Currier will be an asset claims Evans

CAERSWS will be hoping striker Damien Currier can build on his favourable debut as they look to continue their climb up the table.

The former TNS striker completed his move to the Bluebirds on the eve of the game from West Midlands League side Shfinal and made his mark 12 minutes from time when heading home a Lloyd Grist cross from the left.

Manager Mickey Evans now hopes the new recruit can go from strength to strength after appearing at the start of the second half in place of the injured defender Andrew Thomas which forced a switch to 4-4-2.

"His size and height gives us something we've been lacking," he said. "

Daily Post

MAR-13

Neil Alexander could be forced out

CARDIFF CITY goalkeeper Neil Alexander could be forced to find another club after talks to resolve a new contract have broken down over pay.

Alexander's contract at Ninian Park ends this summer having been at the club for six years.

The Echo understands the current longest-serving Bluebirds player was originally happy to resign for the Ninian Park club in December.

But a change in the contract, understood to be a 33 per cent pay cut from what was originally offered a couple months ago, has emerged as the major stumbling block.

The deal would still not put him among the top earners in the club despite the length of service he has given Cardiff.

The contract is still on the table and Alexander wants to stay at the club after his man-of the match performance against Norwich City in which a third minute strike from Paul Parry was the decider.

After seeing two stunning saves from the Scottish international, manager Dave Jones said: 'Now it's up to Neil. If he decides to go, I will just have to look for another keeper.

'The deal is still on the table, but it won't change.
'The days when this club paid over the odds have gone.
'That's why Cardiff City were £30m in debt at one stage.
'There has been no animosity or row with Neil.
'We want him to stay and we have made him an offer we feel is fair.'

South Wales Echo

MAR-13

Bashir brace for Ponty can only secure a point

Atif Bashir scored twice for Pontypridd Town at Newport YMCA, but the visitors were left disappointed by a 2-2 MacWhirter Welsh Football League draw.

Centre-back Bashir netted with a long range shot and an overhead kick.

Lewis Summers and Aaron Stewart scored for YMCA.

The two dropped points are a blow for Ponty, who are in second place behind Neath Athletic.

Tomorrow night, Pontypridd are at home to Afan Lido at Ynysangharad Park (7pm).

First Division leaders Neath also had their problems before edging to a 2-1 win against Maesteg Park at home.

Robbie Walters fired Maesteg ahead after 27 minutes and they held that lead until well into the second half.

The battle to avoid relegation is hotting up.

Grange Quins are bottom and they lost 1-0 at Caerleon on Saturday, while Barry Town made the short trip to Station Road, Wenvoe for their relegation battle at Ely Rangers.

That game ended 1-1 when both teams could have done with the win.

UWIC sprang a major shock when they won 5-0 at Taffs Well.

The students are still in trouble, but the result has given them new hope.

South Wales Echo

MAR-13

Robinson " Swans can make play offs"

South Wales Echo

MAR-13

Legg wants to be given a chance with Hucknall

Welsh international Legg is currently player/caretaker-manager at Hucknall, who lie seventh in Conference North.

He took over in January, but Hucknall have won only three of their 10 league and cup games under his command.

They did, though, come away from second-placed Harrogate Town with a creditable 1-1 draw on Saturday and Legg said: 'I want the chance to bring in the right players who will battle for the team and play football. This isn't my team.'

South Wales Echo

MAR-12

City 'may have to sell Chopra'

CARDIFF CITY chairman Peter Ridsdale has warned that Michael Chopra could be sold at the end of the season.

The Bluebirds' top scorer was a £300,000 summer 'steal' from Newcastle but has since seen his transfer value rocket after blasting his way through the 20-goal barrier.

And Ridsdale admits the club could cash in on their prize asset at the end of the season - but only if the price is right.

Asked to guarantee that Chopra would be at Ninian Park next season Ridsdale said: "Absolutely not.

"Football is all about buying and selling players.

"People are seduced into saying 'We won't sell this or that player' and then time moves on and circumstances change.

"I will never, ever say that we won't sell any of our first-team squad.

"Since I've been here we have done it because we want to make the club stronger and reinvest the money. Any transfer activity this summer, whatever league we are in, will be done for one purpose only - because we believe it will make the club stronger.

"I'm not out to weaken the team or just put money in the bank. We are all about building a team to get promoted - and if we do get promoted, to stay in the Premier League."

Ridsdale said he would not fall into the same trap his predecessor Sam Hammam did by insisting he would never sell City's "crown jewels" before being forced to backtrack and offload the likes of Robert Earnshaw, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and captain Graham Kavanagh.

"Robert Earnshaw is not here any more and neither is Cameron Jerome.

"This time last year people said 'You can't sell him'.

"But we went out and spent a tenth of what we got for him on a player who has scored 21 goals to date," he said.

ANDY ROSE

MAR-12

Go up and we'll stay up - Ridsdale

PETER RIDSDALE has pledged not to let Cardiff City become instant Premiership fall guys.

The Bluebirds are aiming to win promotion to the top flight for the first time in 45 years.

And the chairman has promised to back manager Dave Jones with the transfer funds needed to keep City clinging on to the coat tails of Premiership millionaires Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Jones knows from bitter experience what happens when a newly promoted side hoists the white flag before the season begins.

In 2004, his previous club Wolves were relegated in their first season in the Premiership.

Jones paid the price with his job a few months later, but insists relegation was assured due to the lack of boardroom backing.

Ridsdale insists he will use a large slice of the minimum guaranteed £30m the club will bank if they win promotion.

"If we get promoted we are not doing it to come straight back down again," said Ridsdale. "I'm not saying I can guarantee we will stay up, football clearly isn't like that.

"But we will put a team together with the sole objective of staying in the Premier League.

"Dave and I have had that discussion. Then it is down to the players we manage to attract and their performances on the field."

Premiership promotion remains far from certain with nine games left.

ANDY ROSE

MAR-12

Swans win to keep play-off hopes alive

Evening Post

MAR-12

Deal or no deal, Izzy's aiming high

IZZY Iriekpen has insisted dreams of the Championship still come before thoughts of contracts, despite questioning Swansea's stance on putting new deals on hold.

Swans officials have maintained they will not yet open talks with players who see their Liberty Stadium deals expire at the end of the season.

And defender Iriekpen admits that plan could backfire with eight men waiting on their footballing future.

"I'm out of contract at the end of the year like a lot of the lads," said the 24-year-old former West Ham player. "It's not an ideal situation because you have to think about your future in this business because it is a job for us after all.

"It could be a dangerous tactic to hold out, it might not be in the club's best interests because if offers come in from other clubs you would have to listen.

"But I'm not going out on the pitch to prove anything because I think I've already shown what I can do, all I'm going out on the field to do is to try and help us win promotion.

"That's the be all and end all and the thing at the forefront on everyone's minds."

Iriekpen is clearly keen to stay at Swansea, a fact underlined when he withdrew his transfer request soon after Kenny Jackett left the Liberty Stadium helm.

With former team-mate Roberto Martinez in his place, the East End stopper has a new man to try and convince he could help the Swans in the Championship

Wales on Sunday

MAR-12

Aber focus on rest of season

Having seen their four-match unbeaten run come to an end with a home defeat to Bangor, the Aber manager was eager to see his rediscover their recent good form. Aber were still just eight points adrift of fourth-placed Connah’s Quay, with 9 matches left. “We have no intention of just letting the season dissolve away,” said Coyne. “There are still 27 points to play for, and at the moment we have only 31 on the board. “The set of players we have got at the moment are not like that, they are still working very hard, and I have no com-plaints about the attitude being shown. 

Aber have also swooped to sign former Shrewsbury Town central defender Gavin Cadwallader, who was released from Gay Meadow in January. The 21-year-old trained with Bangor City, but did not sign for the Farrar Road outfit at the same time as his Shrews’ team-mate Marco Addagio despite interest being shown by Citizens’ boss Steve Bleasdale.

Cadwallader, who is the son of former Welshpool Town manager Gareth, started his career as a trainee with Shrewsbury, and made his first appearance in the 2-2 League Two draw at Carlisle in 2006. Coyne commented: “He is a big lad, who can play in a number of positions, so hope-fully he will be a good acquisition for us, he will certainly give us more options. “However, I would also like to stress that the talented crop of local young boys will also be given the opportunity when the time is right, and Geoff Kellaway is a perfect example of this, having taken his chance in the first team superbly.”

Adam Hughes

MAR-11

Bluebirds defeat Canaries

Home striker Michael Chopra has scored 21 goals this season but he turned provider in crossing for Paul Parry to prod in after two minutes.

The pitch was in a poor state and the game was a scrappy affair until the latter stages.

Cardiff were given some anxious moments and Darren Huckerby thought he had levelled only to be ruled offside.

Cardiff manager Dave Jones:
"We dominated the opening period and should have been out of sight by the interval.

"They don't want to be dragged into the danger zone and so came out fighting in the second half.

"Last week we outclassed Birmingham for an hour and got nothing but today we have not been at our best yet have come away with a victory."

Norwich boss Peter Grant:
"The slow start we had has probably given them a bit of a gee-up because in the opening 45 minutes we were awful. It's as poor as I've seen.  

"All the things we ask of them, to be competitive, they just didn't appear in the first-half.  

"The second 45 minutes was much better but we leaves ourselves so much to do in games and you can't do that."

BBC1

MAR-11

Carey blasts Wales stars for seeing red

BRIAN CAREY has accused Wales internationals Chris Llewellyn, Steve Evans and Ryan Valentine of undermining Wrexham's desperate fight for survival, writes ANDY ROSE.

The furious Dragons boss labelled them "selfish" for picking up red cards which have earned the trio a combined 12-match ban.

Centre-half Evans was already serving a five-match suspension for his third early bath of the campaign after throwing an elbow against Shrewsbury last month.

And he was joined in the Racecourse doghouse on Friday night by fellow Wales stars Llewellyn and Valentine, who were both sent off for two-footed lunges in the 1-1 draw with Bury.

Llewellyn will now serve a four-match suspension as it is his second red while Valentine will now be missing for three games.

ANDY ROSE

MAR-11

Merthyr drubbing doesn't tell full story

Hemel Hempstead 3-0 Merthyr

MERTHYR returned from Hertfordshire convincingly beaten in the end, although for three-quarters of the game they were well in contention.

An evenly contested first-half saw Gareth Wharton go close for Merthyr with a header on 31 minutes, while Garry Sheppard and Craig Steins tried their luck with a couple of long-range efforts.

Hemel Hempstead looked threatening at times, but seemed to lack the killer instinct.

Their leading goal scorer, Anthony Thomas, watched by a posse of league scouts, rose to the occasion, breaking the deadlock on 51 minutes.

A poor clearance by Merthyr's usually reliable goalkeeper Ashley Morris saw Thomas collect the ball 25 yards out and he returned the pass with interest to give his team the advantage.

Merthyr stepped up a gear in return and Steins had a penalty appeal turned down. Gareth Phillips then struck the outside of a post from close-range.

Twelve minutes from time Hemel Hempstead doubled their advantage when Paul Edgeworth was released down the left and, after cutting inside, his angled drive was only parried by Morris and John Lawford stabbed home.

Thomas scored his second goal from the penalty spot two minutes from full time to complete Merthyr's misery after substitute Neil Smothers up-ended Edgeworth in the box.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-10

Ugly just lovely for Beadle's battlers

Newport County 3-1 Bognor Regis

COUNTY extended their recent run to four wins and a draw from five games but they were made to work very hard by a skilful Bognor outfit.

"Bognor are the last team you want to play if you just played a gruelling cup-tie with extra time," said County boss Peter Beadle.

"They pass and move the ball very well, but from our point of view it was a nice to 'win ugly' for a change."

Certainly Bognor created most of the first-half threat, but Mark Ovendale twice came to County's rescue with excellent saves from Luke Nightingale and Ben Watson.

Top scorer Craig Hughes gave County a 41st minute lead with his 18th goal of the season after a neat link-up with Charlie Griffin.

But Bognor were level on 54 minutes when a Richard Hudson cross from the right struck Ben Johnson on the head and looped into the net giving Ovendale no chance.

However, County replied within five minutes when a Hughes effort was blocked by visitors' keeper Craig Stoner and rebounded off central defender Charlie Balfe for an own-goal. County substitute Dean Holdsworth struck a spectacular injury-time volley to round off the victory.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-11

Llanelli make hard work in cup game

The scoreline doesn't tell all of the story of a match that was ultra competative until the latter stages, with the Nomads looking capable of at least taking the match to extre time until the last 20 minutes. In a closely fought first period Jacob Mingorance opened the scoring for the home side on 13 minutes, with Tony Corbisiero making it 2-0 nine minutes later. 

Tommy Mutton pulled one back for the visitors after 25 minutes, which made the second half an interesting prospect. However, Mingorance looked to have settled it for Peter Nicholas' outfit with a quality strike after 58 minutes, but back came the visitors when Adam Dickenson shot through a crowd of defenders from just outside the box to make it 3-2. Just two minutes later disaster struck, when substitute Jellicoe headed past his own goalkeeper to break the Nomads hearts. 

After that there was only going to be one winner, and late goals from Craig Williams and Rhys Griffiths just rubbed salt into the wounds. Llanelli can now look forward to a derby against Carmarthen in the Semi Final, which will be shown live on S4C on Sunday April 1st, the likely venue being Haverfordwest's New Bridge Meadow ground

Welshpremier.com

MAR-10

County to miss out on Port's Lee John

Beadle spent Thursday attempting to clinch the signing of Port Talbot midfielder Lee John, the Welshman who scored against the Exiles on Wednesday in their FAW Premier Cup semi-final win.

However, Beadle was unable to agree a fee for the 22-year old who is also being tracked by Swansea City and Charlton Athletic.

He explained: "Lee John is a player I have been monitoring for months, but he is considered by Port Talbot to be their crown jewel and the price they want is a bit beyond us unfortunately.

"We obviously have money to spend now (County are guaranteed at least £50,000 from their appearance in the Premier Cup final) but we won't be spending any money rashly, we want the right player, but only at the right price.

South Wales Argus

MAR-10

Croesy regret loss of hot shot Jenkins

Chris Evans, Croesyceiliog manager, firmly believes that if he could have kept hot-shot Jody Jenkins, his side would be a top-six team in the First Division of the MacWhirter Welsh League, writes Ray Parker.

Jenkins began the season with Cwmbran Town in the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League and his goals gave them an excellent start to the season. But when the money dried up he decided on a move to Haverfordwest.

He has scored 15 league goals, a dozen of them with the Crows.

Jones, who takes his side to Goytre United tomorrow, said: "If we had hung on to Jody we would be in the top six. He was the most critical player to lose. We would have been right up there."

Croesyceiliog struck a sticky patch, conceding 12 goals in three games, but they got things right at title chasing Pontypridd last week, holding them to a goalless draw.

Evans added: "We will set our stall out with the same game plan as for Pontypridd and if we have the same attitude and commitment then we can derail them as well.

South Wales Argus

MAR-10

Trio return for Neath against bogey club Maesteg

First division leaders Neath Athletic have Jock Fairbairn, Jarrod Price and Carl Shaw all back for tomorrow's home clash with bogey club Maesteg Park. However, the Llandarcy Park side, whose West Wales Senior Cup semi-final at Haverfordwest County on Tuesday was called off, are still missing Jonathan Keaveny, Ryan Frankcom and Chris Vardon. 

There are fears that Vardon's season is already over, while Frankcom faces a lengthy spell on the injury-list because of a leg injury.

Maesteg, who last Saturday gained a morale-boosting 1-0 home win over Ton Pentre, have both Chris Lee and Rhys Owen back from suspension but Richard Stevens is sidelined with two broken toes.

The Old Parish side were last beaten at Llandarcy Park back in December 2000 when going down to a 4-2 defeat.

MAR-10

Another crucial defeat for Cwmbran

Their home game against bottom placed Caernarfon Town next Saturday is now a must not lose game for them if they are to retain their top level status.

The Crows had no luck in and around the penalty box, although Carmarthen were deserving winners.

Cwmbran made three changes to the side beaten 5-2 at home by Caersws last Saturday.

Goalkeeper Gareth Wesson was unavailable, while midfielder Ben Evans was relegated to the substitute's bench and winger Tony Jones omitted completely.

In came Keiron Blackburn, Jason Davies and Gareth Mouncher as the Crows looked to defend an unbeaten five match league run at the venue.

The game started at a fair pace with both sides enjoying good possession and it was Carmarthen who threatened first only for former Crows striker Kaid Mohamed to miss-control when well placed.

Cwmbran retaliated, although striker Martin Houston's 20-yard effort went wide before another ex-Crow Nathan Cotterrall set up Danny Thomas, who fired over.

Crows striker Matthew Prosser saw his low long range shot saved by home goalkeeper Neil Thomas, yet another former Cwmbran player, before Blackburn beat away Mohamed's snap shot with his knees.

Carmarthen began to exert pressure and it told on 35 minutes when left back Paul Keddle's cross was headed in at the far post by right back Terry Evans.

Dodds missed a golden opportunity when he shot wide from close range shortly before the break.

Blackburn denied Liam Hancock and Mohamed and only wayward finishing from the home side prevented them from finding it as the Crows slipped to yet another damaging defeat in a season to forget.

South Wales Argus

MAR-10

Carey scolds "stupid Llewellyn

Llewellyn's dangerous tackle in the second-half of the 1-1 draw earned him his second red card of the season, resulting in a four-game suspension.

Carey said: "I'm disappointed in Chris. It's happened before and the stupid thing is he's not learned his lesson

"He's left everybody down, but what a reaction from the rest of the players to fight for the cause."

Defender Ryan Valentine followed Llewellyn into the dressing room nine minutes later, leaving Wrexham with 30 minutes to protect the one-goal lead Lee McEvilly had given them.

Carey added: "It was in the same area of the pitch, but it was reckless more than anything else.

"I can't really comment on that one because I really didn't see it from where I was standing."

Wrexham looked to have pulled off a superb victory, but Glynn Hurst struck two minutes into added time to give Bury a share of the points.

The result keeps Wrexham two places off the bottom of League Two, three points above the relegations zone.

"It's a magnificent result under the circumstances and that's what we've got to take out of it," said Carey.

"When you go down to nine men you shouldn't have a hope really. They weren't able to break us down; we had a lot of luck - people talk we haven't had much luck but we had loads of it.

BBC

MAR-09

Carmarthen's boss support for Cwmbran

They travel west to Richmond Park to face European-seeking Carmarthen Town, whose manager Mark Jones wants the inaugural 1992-93 WPL champions to stay up.

"I'd really love it if they could go on a run to avoid the drop," said Jones, whose team can go fourth with victory tonight - just days after clinching a Welsh Cup semi final place.

"Of course that run would have to start after tonight's match, but I'm desperate for them to stay up.

"I've always enjoyed games against the Crows and whenever I'm at Cwmbran Stadium, I always think of their late manager Tony Willcox.

"He was a good friend of mine and we still all miss him very much. It would be great if they could pull clear of the relegation zone and after tonight, I'll be rooting for them."

Cwmbran uncomfortably sit just six points and one place off the one-strong drop-zone and their home match against bottom-placed Caernarfon Town on March 17, is being deemed to be a relegation decider should the Crows lose again tonight.

However, the well appointed Richmond Park, now even more resplendent with a new 1,000-seater stand, has been an extremely happy hunting ground for the Crows recently.

They are unbeaten in league games at the venue in their last five visits - gaining three wins and two draws.

South Wales Argus

MAR-09

Seven wins will earn us place in play-offs

SWANSEA CITY boss Roberto Martinez reckons Tranmere counterpart Ronnie Moore has been playing mind games ahead of their Prenton Park showdown.

Rovers boss Moore hinted this week that Swansea would be out of the running for a League One play-off place should they lose in Birkenhead tomorrow.

Victory for sixth-placed Tranmere would see them open up a seven-point advantage on the Swans - and Moore feels that gap would be insurmountable with games fast running out.

But Martinez said, "It's good psychology from Ronnie Moore, his team have had an up-and-down season and it will be a fantastic lift for them if they can get a result against us.

"If he can make that extra point to get a result then it is good management.

"Saturday's game has probably got extra bite to it because they are in the position we want to be.

"But every single game is important and I don't think anyone who wins at the weekend is going to have a place guaranteed in the play-offs.

"There's a big group of teams trying to get into the play-offs and it will be down to how good we are in the last 10 games of the season, not just at Prenton Park."

To underline Martinez' point, Blackpool and Doncaster both won in midweek to leapfrog Swansea and enhance their promotion credentials.

Barring any of the top five collapsing like Devon Loch in the run-in, only one play-off spot appears up for grabs and the battle for sixth place should go down to the last day.

Western Mail

MAR-09

Davies is keen to forget cup losses

Manager Wayne Davies takes his Port Talbot Town team to North Wales tomorrow as they try to wipe out bad cup memories.

They play at Bangor City following defeats in the Welsh Cup quarter-finals, against Afan Lido, and the FAW Premier Cup, against Newport County.

Port Talbot are in mid-table and those successive cup exits have hit hard.

Davies, though, reckons Newport County won't be good enough to stop The New Saints claiming a big prize in the FAW Premier Cup.

While Port Talbot head north, Llanelli turn to Welsh Cup action.

Their quarter-final against Connah's Quay Nomads was postponed last weekend and has been slotted into tomorrow's fixtures.

Carmarthen Town are at home to Cwmbran Town tonight in a fixture which means a lot to both teams.

The home side are still pressing to improve their position near the top of the Principality Welsh Premier League table, while Cwmbran are battling desperately against relegation.

South Wales Echo

MAR-09

Bluebirds target top-two spot

TEN pounds to watch Manchester United or Chelsea at Ninian Park is appetising enough - but can Cardiff reach the Premiership without buying a ticket for the play-off lottery?

The Bluebirds yesterday became the latest club to slash or freeze admission prices when they announced a season ticket offer that would enable some fans to watch a top-flight match for as little as £10 if City reach the promised land.

The big question is whether City fans will be getting Liverpool, Arsenal and the rest of the top-table's elite or Barnsley and Luton for their cut-price entry fees.

There may not be an answer until the end of May as a Championship play-off spot looks the most likely outcome for a Cardiff side now eight points adrift of the second automatic promotion berth.

But, ahead of tomorrow's important home meeting with Norwich, boss Dave Jones refuses to accept his team is out of the running for a top-two finish - and predicts their destiny may not be decided until the big May 6 climax to the regular season.

"If there are enough points to play for, you've got to believe automatic promotion is still a possibility," Jones said.

"There are still a lot of points up for grabs so we've got to keep setting our sights very high. You don't set your sights below the top two. I don't see the point in doing that.

Western Mail

MAR-09

3 time winner Lloyd looking to bring cup home

Gary Lloyd has already lifted the Welsh Cup at Stebonheath Park - but admits it would be extra special if Llanelli win the trophy for the first time in their history. The former Wales B international was part of the victorious Barry Town side who lifted the cup at Stebo four years ago after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Cwmbran.

That was the last of Lloyd's three cup final wins with the Jenner Park outfit, but he is looking to add a fourth personal title with Llanelli.

The Reds face a home test with Connah's Quay Nomads on Saturday, when the sides do battle for a date with Carmarthen in the last four.

Should the Reds advance, the cup will have a new name on it as fellow semi-finalists Afan Lido, Carmarthen and Welshpool have never won the competition.

But fuelled by past memories, Lloyd is determined to make sure the organisers are engraving Llanelli on the trophy this season.

"I won the cup with Barry three times and to win it at Stebo was particularly special," said Lloyd.

"It was a great occasion - for the players and the fans.

"To win it with my hometown club would be extra special.

"It is the only trophy my father (former Reds star Gil Lloyd) hasn't won, so to be part of a Llanelli side that win the cup for the first time is something I am determined to do."

Most pundits would expect the cup to be Llanelli's best way of qualifying for European football next season.

Llanelli Star

MAR-09

Nicholas upbeat as fixtures mount

The Reds boss saw his side sit out yet another game due to the weather as Tuesday night's rearranged Welsh Premier League match with Aberystwyth at Stebonheath Park was called off due to the torrential rain.

With last Saturday's Welsh Cup quarter-final clash with Connah's Quay Nomads postponed and rearranged for this weekend, Nicholas remains upbeat.

"It is a shame when games get called off and it does mean the fixtures coming thick and fast at the end of the campaign, but that's what happens," he said. "What it will give us is tempo in the run-in.

"We will be tested in midweek and on the Saturday and, fingers crossed, our squad will stay injury free."

That is a major worry for Nicholas, especially as he has three of 12 league games to be rearranged.

Two of them are away matches to Newi Cefn Druids and Rhyl - a 306-mile round trip.

They are likely to be pencilled in for midweek, which will prove difficult for his squad.

Plus, if they beat the Nomads in Saturday's cup clash, the home league clash with Bangor on March 31 will have to be rearranged due to the semi-final taking place either that day or on April 1.

Hardly ideal for a side desperate to qualify for European football next season.

Of the 12 league matches left, Llanelli have six at Stebo and Nicholas is confident there won't be many more blips.

The club is pondering over requesting an extension to the season.

Whether or not that would be accepted may well go a long way to deciding their fate.

But it will prove vital to Llanelli's chances of repeating their historic scenes on the continent again this summer.

CHRIS BARNEY

MAR-09

Williams: Racecourse is key to survival

WREXHAM favourite Danny Williams says the club’s battle for Football League survival can be won at the Racecourse – starting with tonight’s match against fellow-strugglers, Bury.

The 27-year old utility player, who has alternated between midfield and defence throughout the season, believes the remaining five home fixtures will go a long way to determining the club’s fate.

And as the Dragons go in search of another three points to add to those won at Barnet last Saturday, he urged supporters to turn up in force.

“Our home form was pretty good in the early part of the season and we need to get back to that situation as soon as possible,” he said yesterday.

“By my reckoning we need at least four more wins to open up a gap from the bottom two and that makes our home games very important.

“The club should be applauded for its efforts to boost the numbers at the game and if there are a lot of children at the game the noise will be that much louder as well. We need everyone to get behind us, particularly at the Racecourse which traditionally has been a difficult place to visit for opposition teams.”

Victory this evening would see Wrexham steal a march on the other clubs in trouble and take them level on points with the Shakers, who have gone 13 games without a win.

Daily Post

MAR-08

FAI to snub FIFA rule

The FAI looks set to rebel against FIFA's two club rule, after it emerged yesterday that a huge number of Eircom league players would be barred from tomorrow night's first round of fixtures.

Cork City's Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly are two of the most high profile cases, but up to 30 players may be affected.

FIFA has told the FAI that there would be no general exemption and that each case would be dealt with separately.

This however was before the number of players affected by the two-club rule came to light.

And last night at a meeting of the FAI Council it was discussed whether to go along with the Finnish FA and disregard the rule altogether on a basis that football in in Ireland is played on a summer calendar not a winter one.

The players union chief slammed the situation of unemployed footballers being bared from finding work.

He said " I have huge issues with an unemployed player who has found a club but is being restricted in earning a wage.

This is an employment issue and hopefully the FAI and the league will make a strong decision on it. The FIFA rule was set up for winter football not summer football.

An Afan Lido first: The story has not been released anywhere else on the internet so far.

MAR-08

FAI to snub FIFA rule

The FAI looks set to rebel against FIFA's two club rule, after it emerged yesterday that a huge number of Eircom league players would be barred from tomorrow night's first round of fixtures.

Cork City's Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly are two of the most high profile cases, but up to 30 players may be affected.

FIFA has told the FAI that there would be no general exemption and that each case would be dealt with separately.

This however was before the number of players affected by the two-club rule came to light.

And last night at a meeting of the FAI Council it was discussed whether to go along with the Finnish FA and disregard the rule altogether on a basis that football in in Ireland is played on a summer calendar not a winter one.

The players union chief slammed the situation of unemployed footballers being bared from finding work.

He said " I have huge issues with an unemployed player who has found a club but is being restricted in earning a wage.

This is an employment issue and hopefully the FAI and the league will make a strong decision on it. The FIFA rule was set up for winter football not summer football.

An Afan Lido first: The story has not been released anywhere else on the internet so far.

MAR-08

Wot de papers say on Tredegar win

IMPRESSIVE Tredegar failed to gain a place in the MacWhirter Welsh League Shamrock Travel League Cup final, edged out by First Division Afan Lido's mean defence in a semi-final clash at Ton Pentre last night, writes Ray Parker.

Second Division Tredegar, who had already disposed of three First Division sides to reach the semis, were unfortunate not to force extra time, denied a second-half penalty by Ystradgynlais referee Eddie King.

Phillip Blackmore was felled by Daniel Williams inside the penalty area. There was clear contact as Williams made a desperate challenge. It should have been a spot-kick and a red card for the defender.

The controversial decision failed to rattle Tredegar who dominated the second-half but their one failing was in front of goal. Manager Jason Morgan took the blow squarely on the chin.

He said: "I think it was definitely a penalty, but that's gone. It was a commendable performance by all my players and we deserved an equaliser. But now we have to concentrate on staying in the Second Division, that's more important."

Blackmore put Tredegar into a 12th-minute lead from Richard Langley's left cross but they were hit by two goals in Afan Lido's best spell of the tie, Liam McCreesh equalising (16 minutes) and Craig Jones ten minutes later. It was an excellent spell by the Lido who threatened to run away with the game. But to Tredegar's credit they refused to step aside and let their rivals take charge.

Three minutes from the break, Tredegar keeper Kris Morris made a top-class save from Karl Lewis who scored the goal which took Afan Lido into the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup at the expense of local rivals Port Talbot on Saturday.

In the second-half, dominated by Tredegar, Morris kept his side in the game, with an equally splendid save from Ian Jones.

But despite the fact that Tredegar had so much of the ball after the break there was no way past Afan Lido's central defensive trio of Carl Evans, Daniel Williams and Craig Martin who were outstanding. The Aberavon side have conceded 17 goals in 18 league games and three in five Shamrock Travel Cup ties, the other two being against Newport YMCA in the first round.

Morgan added: "In the first-half we couldn't cope with their movement and they were far superior but I thought we were far the better side in the second-half."

South Wales Argus

MAR-08

Beadle's trophy dream

County can now look forward to a bumper pay day on March 21 when they host the final against The New Saints, with £100,000 in prize money on offer for the victors and further funds provided by television revenue.

However, it was all smiles for the Exiles at the final whistle and now Beadle is urging his side to prove they are winners.

He explained: "The money is of vital importance to the club but the biggest thing is to get our hands on the trophy for the prestige, some of my players have never won anything and I want them to show that they are winners.

"The cup final is something brilliant to have on the way and it's exciting times here, but we can't lose sight of the main priority which is the league.

"We play Bognor on Saturday and I want a similar effort from my players, the great thing is I know I will get it.

"They are as hungry for success as me and that is why I am a very proud manager at the moment."

South Wales Argus

MAR-08

Swan's cautious over Austin return

Martinez added: "Kevin is well aware of what's happening and he is starting to smile again because it was terrible news for him at the beginning.

"Now we're happy that hopefully everything will be fine and Kevin will be back training with us very soon."

BBC

MAR-08

Watch out, Canaries warn Bluebirds

CARDIFF CITY have been warned to expect a Norwich backlash when the Canaries fly into Ninian Park on Saturday.

Dave Jones' men will be confident of recovering from their 1-0 weekend loss at Birmingham with a home win against a Norwich side lying 17th in the Championship.

But the Carrow Road outfit, whose Wales striker Robert Earnshaw misses out on a Ninian Park return through injury, are smarting from controversial decisions that went against them in Tuesday night's 2-1 home defeat against Derby.

And Norwich, who will have former Cardiff goalkeeper Tony Warner between the posts as he continues his loan spell from Fulham, are desperate to take out their frustrations on the Bluebirds this weekend.

We'll be ready for Saturday and really keen on getting a result this time."

Cardiff will be strengthened by the return from injury of captain Darren Purse, who believes City's home form will determine whether they claim a coveted top-six place come the end of the campaign.

"It's going to be our home games that really define where we finish up this season," said Purse, who has not featured since injuring his back at Wolves on January 20.

BBC

MAR-08

Nugent's Swansea future assured

Nugent's future at the club had been in doubt after new boss Martinez appointed Graeme Jones as his assistant.

But Nugent, who took over as caretaker manager after Kenny Jackett's exit as manager last month, has been offered a new role by Martinez.

"Because of the contractual situation his exact role will be announced in the next few days," said Martinez.

"He's an important part of my staff and has been working in his new role over the last two days.

"Kevin is well committed to myself and to Swansea City and is working hard already."

Nugent joined Swansea as a player in 2003 and became Jackett's assistant and reserve team manager a year later.

BBC

MAR-08

Newport through to cup final

County came from behind after Lee John had given Port Talbot a 58th minute lead at Spytty Park.

But Peter Beadle's side equalised with fifteen minutes remaining after Charlie Griffin volleyed home from close range.

And then four minutes into extra-time Bowen headed home Griffin's cross to send County into the final on March 21.

Newport boss Peter Beadle:
"We've been in these situations before this season when we've dominated games and had enough chances to be a good few goals up but found ourselves 1-0 down.

"And we've lost those games 1-0 so I'm delighted with the lads to show such character to come back and take it into extra-time.

"I thought our superior fitness showed and I think we deserved it in the end."

Port Talbot boss Wayne Davies:
"I thought it was a good spectacle and in fairness to Newport I think they played very well.

"They created a number of good situations and but for some tremendous defending they could have gone on to win more convincingly.

"But I think the New Saints will be far to good for them in the final - they are a different kettle of fish to Port Talbot."

BBC

MAR-08

Cardiff cut season ticket prices

The Bluebirds are offering reduced season ticket prices for next season, which are guaranteed even if the club wins promotion to the Premier League.

"This scheme will give us more certainty about what income streams we'll have for next season," said Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale.

Fans have from 10 March to 14 April to take advantage of the special offer.

"If we get there, these will be very competitive prices in the Premier League," added Ridsdale.

"And if we don't get there, we want to ensure we fill Ninian Park for another pitch at getting into the Premier League for the 2008/9 season."

Cardiff, who hope to be playing a new 30,000-seater stadium in two year's time, have struggled to fill Ninian Park this season, despite spending many weeks at the top of the table.

The average attendance this season is just over 15,000, some 6,000 below the stadium's capacity.

But the average attendance is up by 4,000 compared to last season and Ridsdale is confident the reduced ticket prices will ensure the trend continues.

BBC

MAR-07

Jacket heads to Man City Reserves

However, despite his title, the former Swansea boss will not be restricted purely to reserve affairs and will be part of the first-team set-up.

Jackett, 45, replaces Frankie Bunn who left to link up with new Coventry manager Iain Dowie in February.

The arrival completes City's coaching team, which has also seen Eric Steele come in as goalkeeping coach for Tim Flowers, who has also joined Coventry.

Jackett decided to step down as Swansea manager three weeks ago after nearly three years in charge.

The former Wales international said he felt he no longer had the full support of the club, players or supporters at the Liberty Stadium.

Man City manager Stuart Pearce said: "He is someone that I had hoped to bring in at some stage and had previously thought about working with.

"I've known Kenny for a good length of time. I've worked on courses with him, I've played schoolboy football with him and he's someone who I've always felt could do a good job. It was fortunate for me the timing of it.

BBC

MAR-07

Treflan not up to hosting Prem cup final

The Board have decided that the Final will be played at the ground of the winners of tomorrow's semi-final (either Newport County or Port Talbot Town). The New Saints ground was not considered suitable, although the club expressed a wish that the match was played at a Football League venue. BBC Wales expressed the wish that the match was played at the ground of one of the finalists, not a neutral venue. The decision as to the venue is the Board's and after careful consideration the above is their decision

Tony

MAR-07

Family in way of County vs. TNS in final

Newport County players Craig Hughes and Steve Jenkins will leave all family ties in the changing room tonight, as they face Port Talbot in the FAW semi-final.

Hughes will face his girlfriend's brother Dane Williams and Jenkins will be against his brother-in-law Richard French, but Hughes will be focusing on a final with TNS.

'I got a lot of time for Port Talbot, after all they did dump Swansea City out of the cup, so they can't be that bad,' said Hughes.

'I'll also be playing against Dane, my girlfriend's brother, so it will be a family affair.

'But I know that he and I will just play our own game and if a challenge has to be made we will do the same as if it's anybody else out there.

'We're possibly 90 minutes away from a final and facing TNS, and I want to be in that final because we would fancy our chances.

'But first we have to face Port Talbot, who are there on merit and they can't be a bad side to get this far so it's going to be tough,' added Hughes, who scored for Newport in the previous round in knocking out Wrexham 2-1.

South Wales Echo

MAR-07

Moore turns up heat on Swans

SWANSEA CITY have been told losing at Tranmere on Saturday could spell the end of their Championship dream.

Rovers boss Ronnie Moore turned up the heat ahead of the weekend's Prenton Park blockbuster by suggesting it is a game Swansea cannot afford to lose.

The Swans are currently four points adrift of Tranmere - and Moore knows that victory would almost remove Roberto Martinez' side from the League One play-off equation.

"It is a big game and if we can win it we put a seven-point gap between ourselves and Swansea," said the former Cardiff City striker.

"Then they'd have to go and win three games to overtake us. It's a big turning point coming up. But we've put ourselves back in a good position and if we can beat Swansea I can see us climbing the table.

South Wales Echo

MAR-07

Make-or-break time for City - McNaughton

KEVIN McNaughton expects Cardiff City's promotion fate to be decided by the end of the month.

Cardiff welcome Norwich to Ninian Park on Saturday before embarking on a run of games against promotion rivals Southampton, Derby and Sunderland.

After slipping to eighth place following Preston's 3-1 victory over Southampton on Monday, Cardiff are now seven points off the top two and three adrift of the last play-off position.

Ten games remain - five at home and five away - but McNaughton believes City will know their fate following the visit of Roy Keane's Sunderland on March 31.

"It's difficult to say we can make the top with the run of games we have," admitted the Scottish defender.

"But the next three or four games are obviously huge. It's a big run of games and it's important we get the results in those matches

"After that, we'll have a better picture of what's going to happen.

Western Mail

MAR-07

Waterlogged pitch does Carey a favour

WREXHAM manager Brian Carey was not too disappointed by the postponement of last night’s match at Shrewsbury Town, revealing that his defensive options would have been stretched to the limit had the game gone ahead.

The Gay Meadow pitch was ruled unplayable by a local referee following a mid-morning inspection and gave the Dragons boss enough time to arrange a training session for his squad yesterday afternoon.

Carey’s preparations for the derby had been hindered by the suspension of centre-back Steve Evans and a back injury to replacement Danny Williams, but a third defender Shaun Pejic was also struggling for fitness after picking up a few bumps and bruises at Barnet last Saturday.

“Shaun was a definite doubt had the match gone ahead this evening,” said Carey. “And if he had played there would have been a question mark over his getting through the full 90 minutes.

“Now we have a couple more days to get him right before we play Bury on Friday evening and there should be also an improvement as far as Danny is concerned.

“So it’s not all bad news for us, and we have been spared the prospect of playing three big matches in the space of six days, which really is asking too much.

“In some respects the postponement is welcome at a time when we need everything to go in our favour, but we’ve missed out on the chance to build some more momentum following the weekend victory and it would have been a opportunity to improve our confidence.”

Daily Post

MAR-07

The Martyrs make hard work of Cirencester

Merthyr Tydfil made a meal out of winning this encounter.

They should have been out of sight after 20 minutes such was the one-way traffic on the Cirencester goal.

A strike either side of half-time by Sam O'Sullivan and Gareth Warton were the deciding factors of a niggly game that saw the visitors finish with nine men after the referee brandished red cards to James Rowe and Lee Molyneux for late tackles.

Molyneux's effort on O'Sullivan was particularly a potential bone-breaker and he compounded the problem protesting his innocence by pushing Merthyr players in the face. It left the referee with no option but to produce the red card.

Merthyr boss Paul Sugrue was pleased with the overall performance and singled out his coaching staff John Lewis and David Hughes.

'We are on a nice little run of three wins and one draw. Although we made hard work of the game, it was another three points,' said Sugrue

'John's and David's work when we hit a dodgy patch was super.

'Now it's paying off.'

This was a game that the home side dominated from first whistle to last and saw decent chances go begging from strikers Garry Shephard and Craig Steins, but they were certainly not alone.

O'Sullivan broke the deadlock on 34 minutes with the simplest of tap-ins after a deflected free-kick broke to him nicely.

Despite their failure to get any sort of toehold into the clash, Merthyr's missed chances did give Cirencester hope of clawing back something.

But as they went in search of a late equaliser, Warton's effort 12 minutes from time was adjudged to have crossed the line by the assistant referee.

South Wales Echo

MAR-06

We want Cwmbran to stay up

Cwmbran Town's WPL survival is being watched very carefully by teams at the bottom of  MacWhirter Welsh first division.

If the Crows are relegated to the Welsh league it could spell disaster and relegation for more than the normally 3 clubs that get relegated.

It could result in four teams being relegated to Welsh League Division 2 - and there are 4 teams starting to get left behind the rest, they are Ely Rangers, Grange Quins, Barry Town and UWIC.

If Cwmbran Town can avoid relegation then it should only be 3 to go down - thus saving one of those four.

Then there is the scenario of whether a team in the top two in the Welsh league qualifies for promotion.

Neath and Pontypridd have to play each other twice and either sides promotion hopes could hinge on those results.

Neath Ath are top with Pontypridd Town 3 points ahead and 1 game in hand. Both at least 9 points clear of the 3rd placed side. But Ton Pentre or ENTO Aberaman can not be ruled out yet and the Lido could catch both clubs but have to win all their games in hand.

So its going to be a nervous run in for at least 10 clubs.

Tony

MAR-06

Newport sense Premier cup glory

"Port Talbot won't be used to playing in front of 1,000 supporters or more and that can be a factor in our favour."

Port Talbot, who beat Swansea City in the last round, suffered a shock 1-0 Welsh Cup defeat to Afan Lido on Saturday.

BBC

MAR-06

Welshpool play down winning Welsh cup

WELSHPOOL are playing down their prospects of winning the Welsh Cup, despite reaching the semi-finals for the first time.

Manager Tommi Morgan, a cup-winner as a player with Llansantffraid back in 1996, said: "Llanelli are still very much involved and they are full-timers."

Welshpool’s boss admitted being relieved to get through this potentially tricky quarter final tie at Holyhead against battling opponents from the Cymru Alliance.

While mentioning Llanelli as a threat he forgot the small fact that they have to beat Afan Lido first, something Port Talbot forgot about as well to their cost.

Tony

MAR-06

Swans No 2 issues warning to players

SWANSEA CITY'S players have been warned they will not know what's hit them if they display a poor attitude as the new regime prepares to get tough to help steer the club towards the Championship.

The warning came from Roberto Martinez' new No 2 at the Liberty Stadium, a tough-talking taskmaster who has already made it clear he won't stand for any indiscipline or indifference in the dressing room.

Graeme Jones, who was in the dugout for Saturday's scoreless home draw against Leyton Orient, has been reunited with Martinez for the first time since they struck up a friendship as playing colleagues at Wigan in the late 1990s.

But the 36-year-old Geordie, who left his post as assistant manager at Scottish outfit Hamilton Academicals to join Swansea's revamped coaching staff, insists he has not linked up with the Spaniard just to form an old pals' act.

Jones said Martinez would not have handed him a job at the Liberty unless he had the right coaching credentials to help take the Swans forward, with keeping the players in line a key part of his new remit.

"I'd like to think I've got more in my locker than just being a hard taskmaster," said the former striker, who along with Martinez has signed a three-year Swans contract.

"I'm well-educated in the game - I cut my teeth as a coach and learnt about the game during four years in Middlesbrough's youth academy, and I gained the A-licence coaching qualification when I was 29.

"But the first thing I'll look at is attitude. I'd like to praise the players for the attitude they showed against Orient at the weekend. It was top-drawer. They played the game in the right manner.

"But I can assure you now that a day will come when the attitude is questionable. And when that happens, I'll jump all over them."

Western Mail

MAR-06

Swansea's Way out for 6 months

"Two top physicians, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, bio mechanist and a leading bone specialist reviewed his previous history and symptoms together and they felt an operation was the best way forward.

"They are confident that this will finally resolve his injury problems and we can look forward to seeing him play again on a regular basis at the start of next season.''

BBC

MAR-06

We want to win every game left - Carey

ONWARD and upward is the mantra from Wrexham manager Brian Carey, who is hoping to follow Saturday’s away win at Barnet with a repeat performance against Shrewsbury Town at the Gay Meadow this evening.

The re-arranged match – which goes ahead subject to a pitch inspection at 10.30 this morning – comes just 10 days after the Shrews ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at the Racecourse, but the Dragons boss reckons his side will be a very different prospect this time round.

And although it’s 13 months and 51 matches ago since Wrexham last secured back-to-back victories, Carey said he was not prepared to countenance anything other than three more vital points in the battle against relegation.

“We are going out to win the game because we cannot pick and choose where we’re going to get results,” he said confidently.

“There are 11 games left this season, we will be trying to win them all and I believe we are good enough to do that.”

Wrexham will be without Danny Williams, who injured his back midway through the first half at Underhill, but full back Ryan Valentine is available after missing the weekend game to be at the birth of his first child.

And Carey claimed his biggest concern was the state of the Gay Meadow playing surface, which was heavily sanded for last Friday’s 0-0 draw with Bristol Rovers and has since soaked up further heavy rainfall.

Daily Post

MAR-06

Swan's Austin hit by heart scare

Austin, an asthma sufferer, came off just 20 minutes into Swansea's game with Yeovil on 24 February after complaining of breathing difficulties.

The 34-year-old then spent a night in hospital after tests showed heart irregularities, as doctors feared he may have suffered a minor heart attack.

More tests will be made on Tuesday, but Swansea hope they will give Austin the all-clear to resume training.

''The doctors' initial feeling was that he had suffered a minor heart attack - not during the Yeovil game but some time over the weekend - and they kept him in overnight," Swansea physio Richie Evans told the South Wales Evening Post.

''They conducted two ECGs [electrocardiogram] the next day. One, at rest, was irregular, while the second, under exercise, was normal. From that moment the panic was over.

"The doctors felt the irregularity was because Kevin has a fit and athletic heart, which is enlarged because he is an athlete.

"'They felt the irregularities have been put down to that. We have done everything to try to rule out a heart condition, which there's no history of in Kevin's family or in Kevin himself.

''He will have an angiogram, which is an in-depth look at the coronary artery on Tuesday, and if that is OK he will be ready to return to training.

"We're optimistic that there will not be a problem."

Austin has been a mainstay in the Swansea defence this season, and has made 116 appearance for the club since joining on a free transfer from Bristol Rovers in 2004

BBC

MAR-06

City's Gunter scoops apprentice of year

HE admits he can't quite bend it like Bale, but hot Cardiff City prospect Chris Gunter certainly aims to follow in the Southampton star's international footsteps.

Gunter's status as one of Wales' brightest hopes for the future received a ringing endorsement on Sunday night when he scooped the Football League's apprentice of the year award.

And Gunter, earning rave reviews from his manager after breaking into the Bluebirds first-team this season, hopes it won't be too long before he too is given the chance to step on to the senior international stage.

Gunter has yet to make the big step up, though he hopes it won't be too long before Toshack comes calling after a promising debut season at Ninian Park.

Gunter's maiden first-team outing came in a Carling Cup defeat against Barnet last August and his Championship debut followed three months later when he started the 1-0 defeat against QPR.

He has made a further three starts and two substitute appearances. His most recent outing, in the 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion a fortnight ago, led Jones to insist he was ready for senior Wales action.

"I had a tough time in the defeat at Hull in December and I knew I had to go away and learn from the experience," said the City academy product.

"I played a few reserve games and started to build my confidence back up again and I seemed to get stronger.

"At the start of the season my aim was to break through into the first team and whatever else happened would be a bonus," he said.

"Having done that, and had a good taste of Championship experience, I'd like to push on and play a bigger role in the first team next season."

Western Mail

MAR-05

Scants does former team mates a favour

Scants who made 8 appearances at the start of the season for The Lido, 6 in the league and 2 in the cups, and kept 3 clean sheets.

He was making his first appearance for his new club Maesteg Park in their home game at Tudor Park against high flying Ton Pentre.

Going into Saturdays game Maesteg had lost their previous 6 league games and had dropped down the table to 8th place. 

The game was goalless in the first half and the whole course of the game changed in the 57 minute when a former Maesteg player now with the Bulldogs Steve Conaty was given his marching orders.

Maesteg scored the winning goal for the home side on 72 minutes when Gareth Davies secured their first league points since the 5th of January when they beat Bryntirion 2-1 at Tudor Park.

So a good start for Scants getting a clean sheet in his first game, hopefully he wont perform a repeat of that when our 2 teams meet later this month on the 17th March at the Marston.

Tony

MAR-05

Lee Hudgell to make debut for Cardiff City

Hudgell has been a regular for Haverfordwest for the past 3 seasons since breaking in to the first team as a teenager in the 2001-02 season.

Hudgell came through the Haverfordwest youth system and won welsh premier league player of the month for January, he is also making a name for himself this season as a goal scorer and has so far notched up 9 from his position on the left wing.

AN UPDATE ON THE ABOVE STORY, THE GAME WAS CALLED OFF :(

Tony

MAR-05

D-Day beckons for sorry Crows

It all means that although Cwmbran have to travel to face Welsh Cup semi-finalists Carmarthen Town on Friday, their home clash with Caernarfon Town on March 17 will almost certainly decide who goes down.

With no playing budget, Cwmbran took a punt on winger Tony Jones, who made his debut after signing in the week from Cymru Alliance outfit Penrhyncoch. But hard though he tried, Jones was, as others were, largely anonymous and failed to reappear for the start of the second period.

Another full debutant, left-side midfielder Ben Evans, a product of Cwmbran's academy and who has played for Welsh League Division Two side Cwmbran Celtic, also failed to shine before he was substituted.

What made this latest defeat even more alarming is that Caersws had themselves lost four of their last five league outings and looked no more than an ordinary, well-organised side.

It will now take great effort and determination for the Crows to stop the rot. Contrary to opinion, the Welsh League is no place to regroup - witness the fact that only two relegated clubs - Llanelli and Afan Lido - have ever made it back to the top flight from that level in the league's 15-year history. March 17 really is D-Day for the Crows.

South Wales Argus

MAR-05

Welshpool's manager delighted at success

WELSHPOOL stormed into the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup for the first time with an emphatic victory over gallant Holyhead.

It was a success that delighted modest Lilywhites manager Tomi Morgan, who has revolutionised the Maes y Dre club over the last few years.

"I'm really chuffed we have reached the semi-final," he said. "I feel the strength of our squad has been vital this season and we are better equipped for the run-in.

"We had Holyhead watched last week, which helped, but I'm proud of the team as this was a banana-skin tie in front of a large home crowd in an intimidating atmosphere."

The visitors led 2-1 at the break thanks to goals from player-coach Wayne Evans and Richard Harris to Spurs' reply from Tom Edwards, but early second-half strikes by Harris and Calvin Davies, who later added the fifth, sealed Pool's passage to the televised stage.

Western Mail

MAR-05

Welsh Premier manager of the month

After an indifferent start at the helm for the Farrar Road club, Bleasdale has won his last three games for a perfect 100% record in February and the Citizens faithful must be delighted that their side have finally produced some consistency. Throughout the month, Bangor defeated NEWI Cefn Druids (away), Connah's Quay Nomads (home) and Cwmbran Town (away), scoring seven goals, whilst only conceding one against the Nomads.

Bangor defeated a resurgent NEWI Cefn Druids comfortably 3-0, but their next game at Caersws was postponed during the snow whitewash weekend. They then defeated the Nomads, through goals for Marc Lloyd Williams, Ashley Stott and Mark Smyth and they followed that up with a 1-0 win at Cwmbran Stadium, with Smyth scoring his third goal in as many games. Bleasdale has almost transformed his entire squad since taking over in November and the emergence of youngsters such as Smyth, Stephen Wynne, Mel McGuinness and Michael Walsh under his guidance bodes well for the future.

Steve Bleasdale replaced Clayton Blackmore and became their fourteenth League of Wales / Welsh Premier Manager. He is former caretaker manager of League Two side Peterborough United and was the star of Sky Television's documentary called Big Ron Manager, which was screened on Sky One. After an excellent start at 'Posh', Bleasdale won five of his first seven games in charge, but the club immediately suffered a downturn in form with just one win in seven games. Bleasdale quit just an hour before Posh's game with Macclesfield Town, claiming that others had been interfering with the team, in particular Ron Atkinson who had been brought to the club in a "Football Troubleshooting" capacity for the show.

Before entering management at Peterborough United, he was assistant manager to Mark Wright at Chester City when they won promotion from the Conference, and was brought to the Posh again by Wright when he was appointed manager in the close season of 2005

Welshpremier.com

MAR-05

Welsh Premier player of the month

Airbus UK Player/Manager Gareth Owen have been announced as February's Principality Building Society Player of the Month.

The February Principality Welsh Premier Player of the Month, Gareth Owen is in a strange position as he's currently the only person in the League that could win both awards as he's the Airbus Player/Manager and following their last three victories, he almost did! The combative midfielder has been the heartbeat of the Airbus side throughout the season, consistently winning praise from opposition Managers, but his form, leadership skills and crucial goals throughout February have proved imperative during the trio of victories, that almost guarantees their Principality Welsh Premier survival.

Owen scored twice in the month, once against Cwmbran in a crucial basement battle and then the first at Port Talbot which set them up for their third win of the month. He was also named Man of the Match in two of the four games he played and is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the award.

Gareth took over the reigns as Airbus Player/Manager in June 2005, which was his first Managerial Position after an illustrious playing career in the Football League. He was an experienced midfielder who spent twelve years with Wrexham and two years with Doncaster Rovers before joining Connah's Quay for two seasons.

Welshpremier.com

MAR-05

Rose marks Martinez' men out of 10

GIVEN an easy ride by the unambitious visitors but what little he had to do the Frenchman did well acting as a sweeper behind his defence.

SWANSEA'S Mr Versatile did another reliable job but this time at right back. Rarely troubled but didn't get forward as often as he perhaps should have.

AS with the rest of his back line Iriekpen was rarely at full stretch and even almost scored himself at the opposite end with a diving header.

SWITCHED from his more familiar full-back role to central defence and barely put a foot wrong. Comfortable in possession and a calming influence.

BACK for his first start in a month and as volatile as ever. Capable but must learn to walk away rather than go looking for trouble.

SUBDUED in the first half but more alive after the break. Unfortunate not to see Trundle score from one of his through balls.

ANCHORED the midfield in typical fashion winning the important tackles and headers. Could have been the hero at the death but put a free header over the crossbar.

GUILTY of a glaring miss in the first half with just the goalkeeper to beat and solid rather than spectacular there after.

HIS first half free kick required a good save from Garner and he remained the most lively figure in Swansea's midfield.

THE offside flag robbed him of a goal on the stroke of half-time before wasting the best chance of the match in the 57th minute when his touch let him down with just the goalkeeper to beat.

PLENTY of effort but very little by the way of end product although only denied a second goal in as many games by Alexander's goal line clearance.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-05

Carey relieved to end torture

"You just had to look at the reaction when Lee McEvilly's goals went in. It showed the team spirit and what the club means to them."

BBC

MAR-05

Merthyr back on top form

Merthyr 3-0 Wealdstone

THE Merthyr that turned out before Christmas made a return to entertain the home fans in fine fashion at Penydarren Park, beating a previously resurgent Wealdstone for the third time this season.

Having suffered a poor run of results at the start of 2007, the Martyrs have now picked up seven points out of a possible nine and seem well and truly back on track. They fully deserved their victory against a Wealdstone side who they had knocked out of the FA Trophy earlier in the season.

Interestingly, it was the visitors who opened brightly with Theo Robinson collecting a ball over the top of the Merthyr defence on 18 minutes, only to see the Merthyr goalkeeper make the first of three fine saves throughout the afternoon.

However, from that point the Martyrs began to take control and Sam O'Sullivan, on loan from neighbours Newport County, was giving visiting full-back Josias Carbon a torrid time.

O'Sullivan's efforts led to the opening goal on 31 minutes, his cross being handled in the box by defender Kevin Swift and Jamie Rewberry stepped up to slam home the spot-kick.

A Gareth Warton header was turned on to the crossbar by Wealdstone goalkeeper Lee Carroll before O'Sullivan struck the outside of the upright after going on a tricky run just before the interval.

Within five minutes of the re-start, Merthyr were two up, Rewberry doubling his and Merthyr's tally from the spot after Garry Shephard had been brought down on his way to goal by goalkeeper Carroll.

Escaping with just a yellow card, his presence made little difference to Merthyr who scored their third on 64 minutes. Craig Steins exchanged passes with two of his team-mates before beating the goalkeeper with some ease.

Morris made the last two of his fine stops late on to deny Robinson a consolation before Carroll thwarted Steins at the last minute when through on goal.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-04

Welsh league division 1 round up

MAESTEG Park brought to an end a dismal series of results when they edged to a 1-0 home victory over former Welsh League champions Ton Pentre yesterday - their first success in eight games.

Robert Walters scored the all-important goal at Tudor Park with 18 minutes remaining, after Steve Conarty had been sent off for a dangerous tackle.

League leaders Neath were not in action yesterday but second-placed Pontypridd Town did not take full advantage of their inactivity, only managing to fight out a goalless draw with Croesyceiliog at Ynysangharad Park.

This means that Neath are now three points clear of Pontypridd, having played a game more, and a massive 12 clear of Ton Pentre.

Barry Town, after a bright spell, came down to earth with a bang yesterday as they crashed 4-1 at Jenner Park.

Aaron Stewart bagged a brace of goals and so did David Heath as YMCA piled on the pressure. All Barry could manage was a Craig Ready strike.

UWIC, however, stay rooted to the foot of the table after being beaten 2-1 at home by Caerleon.

ENTO Aberaman, in fourth spot in the table, defeated Taffs Well 2-1 despite being 1-0 down at the break.

Paul Davies and John Phillips netted for the Aberaman side.

Reigning league champions Goytre ran out convincing 3-1 winners at Grange Quins, while Bridgend Town, playing for the first time at their temporary home Porthcawl, lost 2-0 to relegation-threatened Ely Rangers, who are now starting to climb the table.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-04

Welsh league division 2&3 round up

WITH Garw inactive, the main focus of attention turned to their nearest challengers in Division Two and second-placed Cambrian and Clydach and Troedyrhiw in third spot were both unable to take full advantage of the situation.

Try as they would, Cambrian and Clydach just could not penetrate a resolute Ammanford defence at Rice Road and the goalless scoreline was a fair reflection of the match, while Troedyrhiw battled hard for all three points at Penrhiwceiber Rangers but managed only a 1-1 stalemate.

There were some big scores in Division Two with Pontyclun brushing aside relegation threatened Morriston Town 5-0 and Treharris overwhelming Garden Village 5-1.

There was a surprise in the Cynon Valley where bottom club FAC Llwydcoed chalked up only their second victory of the campaign, beating Cardiff Corries 2-0.

Llangeinor, newcomers to the League after an extremely good run, are beginning to falter in Division Three and they could only manage a 2-2 draw with Llantwit Fardre.

Gwent side Goytre were too good for Chepstow and ran out 4-2 winners thanks to a brace of goals by Ian Rosser and one each by Kevin Wallace and Steve Collett.

In the most thrilling match of the day Newcastle Emlyn drew 5-5 with Abertillery.

Wales on Sunday

MAR-04

City lose against Birmingham 1-0

Cardiff shaded the first half as Ricardo Scimeca went close and Michael Chopra had a penalty appeal rejected.

Larsson scored after Matt Sadler's left-wing cross bobbled to the Swede, who poked the ball in from close range.

Colin Doyle did well to deny Roger Johnson before Cameron Jerome and Gary McSheffrey went close to making it 2-0.

Blustery conditions and an uneven pitch did not help the quality of play but the visitors seemed to adapt their game more quickly than the home side.

Doyle should have done better when he could only push away Scimeca's stretched header and minutes later the Birmingham goalkeeper risked conceding a penalty as he bravely dived at the feet of Chopra.

As the half progressed Birmingham upped the tempo, with Rowan Vine coming close to his first goal for the club when he flashed a shot inches wide of the left-hand post after good approach work by Fabrice Muamba.

Birmingham began the second half more positively and as the pitch grew more water-sodden.

It was a scrappy goal that broke the deadlock, Larsson sweeping home Sadler's cross after McSheffrey's effort had been blocked.

Doyle was the home side's hero again when he pushed defender Johnson's opportunistic volley over the bar and from the resulting corner, Chopra's cushioned header was off-target.

Vine was a constant threat before being replaced by Jerome, who almost produced an instant dividend against his former side with his first touch.

Neil Alexander did well to block his goal-bound shot but it only went as far as McSheffrey, who skidded into the post as his effort crept just wide.

Steven Clemence also came close to reinforcing Birmingham's advantage, with a shot that was just off-target, and they held on through four minutes of stoppage time to return to the top of the table.

BBC

MAR-03

Port Talbot ready for cup tie

Evening Post

MAR-03

Welsh cup quarter final preview

The other all-Principality Welsh Premier clash sees Porthmadog travel south to Richmond Park to take on 2004/05 Runners-Up, Carmarthen Town. The Traeth based side will be without the influential Clayton Blackmore who is cup-tied, whilst midfielder Gareth Parry has undergone an ankle operation which rules him out. The importance of the tie is highlighted in the fact that Porthmadog will travel on Friday and stay overnight in a hotel to ensure the best possible preparation.

Mark Jones knows the size of the task that awaits his Old Gold's and said "It's a big game for us, Porthmadog are a good side and they have a great record. They put The New Saints out, but I'm confident we can do well."

In the only game not to take place in South West Wales on Saturday, Welshpool Town travel to Cymru Alliance outfit Holyhead Hotspurs in what could be another potential banana skin. Hotspurs are currently tenth in the Northern feeder League and their Manager Campbell Harrison is confident that his side can upset the in-form Principality Welsh Premier side.

"We have a good young side with great team spirit and the boys will certainly be up for the challenge...We need to step up the performance and certainly sure up the defence as Welshpool have some quality players and are dangerous from set pieces" said the former Porthmadog coach. "Concentration and discipline will be the key as 14 Holyhead lads try to write their own bit of Welsh Cup history" he added.

Welshpremier.com

MAR-03

Welsh league div 1 preview

Tony Poole

MAR-03

Pontypridd face double showdown

Leaders Neath Athletic and title rivals Pontypridd Town are heading for a double MacWhirter Welsh League showdown.

Neath stand top of Division One with 13 games left, four points ahead of Pontypridd Town. Second-placed Ponty have two matches in hand.

Crucially, the rivals still have to play each other twice - at Ponty's Ynysangharad Park on Saturday, March 31, and at Neath on Saturday, April 28.

'Those matches will be a lottery,' says Neath coach Andy Dyer. 'We have the points on the board and I would rather be in that situation than have games in hand.

'There is nothing between the top four or five teams, but I would hope that by the time it is sorted out we will prove better than the rest.'

Pontypridd, whose midweek match was postponed, are at home to Croesyceiliog tomorrow, while reigning champions Goytre United are at Grange Quins.

Goytre have rearranged their Shamrock Travel Cup semi-final against Bettws for April, while the other semi-final, at Ton Pentre on Wednesday, features Afan Lido against Tredegar Town.

Goytre United coach Andrew Radford says he wants a final against Lido.

'That would be an exciting final, a local derby' says Radford.

South Wales Echo

MAR-03

Crows now hold record for not scoring

The Crows are one rung from the bottom and a point adrift of Caersws but with a game in hand.

Cwmbran have not hit the back of the opposition net in 563 minutes, comfortably beating the previous figure of 484 minutes held by Caersws when they hit a barren patch earlier this season.

Surely something must give on this occasion and Cwmbran wouldn't mind if it was decided by a penalty - just so long as it went in their favour because no-one can recall the last time the Crows were awarded a penalty in a league game.

Manager Sean Wharton is pretty confident there will be goals.

He said: "I think something is going to give. If we were not creating chances then I would be faced with a massive dilemma.

"I think it is going to be an open game and there will be goals - definitely. It is not going to be 0-0 and hopefully we will break our duck."

Strikers Martin Houston, recalled from Caerleon last week, and Matt Prosser, back from Newport County after a spell with Tiverton, impressed Wharton in the defeat by Bangor.

He added: "Houston was extremely dangerous while Prosser is keen to impress and get himself in the Newport squad."

South Wales Argus

MAR-03

County's promotion push

Beadle's side travel to Eastbourne Borough in the Conference South tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) in eighth place in the table, just four points off a playoff berth.

Wednesday night's sensational victory over Wrexham has netted the Exiles £25,000 in prize money and victory against Welsh Premier outfit Port Talbot will mean a win-fall of £50,000, with County set to receive £100,000 if they lift the trophy. The New Saints are already in the final.

The dream of reaching the Conference this term now seems more possible than ever after Blight's backing.

He explained: "The financial side of the cup run has changed things, if we beat Port Talbot, we are looking at £50,000 in prize money alone.

"With that being the case we as a board would be in a position where we could go to Peter (Beadle) and ask him what he thinks he needs to do to give us that final push into the playoffs.

"It would be a case of what do you need, how much can we strengthen?

"It is my dream to get Newport County into the Conference and this cup run could really help us achieve that goal.

"It will also assist us in planning for next season."

South Wales Argus

MAR-03

Season hangs on Martyrs getting a win

Merthyr Tydfil entertain Wealdstone tomorrow, knowing the outcome could be key to the rest of their season.

The visitors are in the bottom four, three points and two places behind the Martyrs and manager Paul Sugrue is clear about the game's importance.

'There is no hiding from it, tomorrow's match is a big game for us,' he said. 'If we win it takes us six points clear of Wealdstone - lose and we get dragged down near to the relegation fight.

'We have games in hand on most of our rivals and if we happened to win them all we'd be talking about a play-off spot.

'But having games in hand and winning them are two different issues.

'We need to win, play some tidy football and build from there. Who knows, the season could change for us in the last third of the season.'

Sugrue will certainly be looking for a more entertaining afternoon than last week's goalless draw with Corby - a match he describes as one of the worst games he has seen for years.

'There were two sides that had little idea of how to play a game of football,' he admitted.

South Wales Echo

MAR-02

Nicholas gears up for critical month

"This time next month we will know where we are," said Nicholas. "There are a lot of games to come and it is an opportunity for us to go on a run and push ourselves up the table.

"We have five games at home and when you are in a situation like we are, you have to be looking at winning your home games.

"We went on a good run last year around this time and we have to do the same this time if we want to be playing European football next season.

"Aberystwyth on Tuesday night is the start of our six-match league block, but to be honest I am not going to think about that until Monday morning."

Llanelli Star

MAR-02

County cup confusion cleared up

Confusion as to when the tie would be played arose after it was announced over the tannoy during the Wrexham game that the match was set for Tuesday, March 6 (Llanwern have a prior booking on the Wednesday).

Everett said: "We have priority and the council have confirmed that is when the tie will be played."

South Wales Argus

MAR-02

Title Showdown to be shown Live on S4C

The match will be shown on Y Clwb Pel-droed live with a 5.15pm kick-off at Belle Vue and it is hoped that the Lilywhites strong support will ensure that another memorable day for the League will be broadcasted. When the two sides met three years ago on Easter Monday the match attracted 2,741 people at Belle Vue, the league's second highest crowd.

Belle Vue has since developed tremendously as a Stadium and the club now boasts covered stands on all four sides of the ground, with a total of almost 1,800 seats. They also have tremendous hospitality and TV facilities, which will really showcase the Ground for the League, so hopefully a sizeable crowd will again support not only the teams on show, but also the League.

There will also be a Welsh Cup Semi Final earlier on the Saturday afternoon and S4C will also be transmitting the other Semi Final live on the Sunday, with highlights of the two big Saturday games.

Welshpremier.com

MAR-02

Bruce dismisses Bluebird threat

Steve Bruce has dismissed the threat of Cardiff City and striker Michael Chopra ahead of the big clash with Birmingham City at St Andrews on Sunday.

Bruce was in a terrible mood after his team's spluttering 1-0 win against bottom club Leeds at St Andrews on Tuesday, despite the fact it sent them to the top of the Championship table.

When asked about Sunday's big clash with the Bluebirds, the former Manchester United defender refused to praise Dave Jones' side in any way - and claimed Chopra's 21-goal haul this season doesn't worry him.

And Bruce's attitude is bound to fire up the Bluebirds for what is a huge match in their quest for promotion.

When quizzed about Chopra, Bruce, clearly feeling the strain, snapped: 'He's okay. He's just another striker, no different to any other.'

And he then chose to fire a warning to Cardiff about his side's record against the top clubs in the division.

'Cardiff will be a different game than Leeds United, sure it will,' Bruce added.

'But while we have lost against all the bottom six clubs this season, we are number one in this division for beating the top six clubs and so we will be confident.

'The Cardiff game is going to be cracker and it will be a full house.'

South Wales Echo

MAR-02

Martinez points way to Swans success

IT DIDN'T take long for Roberto Martinez to start shaking things up at Swansea City as the players prepared for his first game in charge with a continental-style evening training session.

Andy Robinson reckons it did the trick as Swansea marked Martinez' debut in the dug-out by freeing themselves of recent shackles to produce a heart-warming 2-1 win at Rotherham.

And Robinson does not believe it was a case of beginner's luck. Martinez' former midfield colleague is convinced the Spaniard is the man to lead the club into the Championship... with a few extra hours in bed the added incentive for the players.

"I think that's a continental thing, training in the night," smiled Robinson.

"They like their sleep abroad, don't they, and I can't say I mind as I had a nice little lie-in on Monday morning!

"The gaffer, as we're all having to get used to calling him now, has got some good ideas and I definitely feel he's the right man to take us forward. I feel strongly about that.

"He's got great experience in the game. And not only does he talk a good game, he produces a good game as well.

"I think he'll get the best out of the players at the club. It helps that he already knows inside out the way most of us perform.

"People don't need to worry about whether he can make the switch from being our team-mate to our boss because he's someone we always respected and looked up to when he was a player and captain of the club.

"He was a true professional in the way he conducted himself on and off the pitch. A great leader of the club. You can't help but respect him.

Western Mail

MAR-02

Semi-pro team up for challenge

A Welsh semi-professional side will be competing in an expanded European Challenge Trophy next season.

The expanded event will feature last year's trophy winners England, Wales, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, while Scotland could also compete in the competition.

Welsh Premier chairman Alun Evans said: 'We have seen too many promising youth and Under-21 international players drop from view because of the restricted opportunities in the English system.

'An Under-23 semi-pro team will offer them an important second chance to make the grade, just as Mark Delaney and Steve Evans have done.

'It will also establish the Welsh Premier as the pathway into the professional game, leading to a further rise in playing standards.'

South Wales Echo

MAR-02

Season over for Swans skipper

The 21-year-old midfielder, standing in as skipper for long-term absentee Garry Monk, dislocated his shoulder in last month's 2-0 loss to Scunthorpe United.

He was initially expected to be out for a month, but a much longer recovery time is now anticipated.

"A scan revealed he had torn structures in the shoulder joint and it needs an operation," said physio Richie Evans.

"It looks as if it will be two to three months of rehab."

BBC

MAR-01

County through to Prem cup final

The first half was more notable for rain than chances raining down on goal.

Mike Carvill made the breakthrough for Wrexham after the break by rounding Newport goalkeeper Mark Ovendale.

But the home side hit back swiftly to take the lead within five minutes, first Jason Bowen converting a penalty before Craig Hughes rose highest to thunder home a Steve Jenkins cross.

The New Saints have already won through to the final of the competition by knocking Cardiff out at the semi-final stage the previous night.

That means for the first time in the FAW Premier Cup's history, none of the 'big three' of the Nationwide League clubs - Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham - will contest the final.

Chances were hard to fashion at a wind-swept Spytty Park in a low quality first half.

Former Charlton Athletic striker Carvill's effort on target was the closest that Wrexham came to breaking the deadlock.

Newport fared little better, with a shot into the side netting just before half-time from Bowen the best the home side from Conference League South could muster.

Things warmed up after the break, as Carvill broke through the Newport rearguard on 51 minutes to convert a one-on-one against goalkeeper Ovendale.

But within two minutes the home side were level, Charlie Griffin sent tumbling in the Wrexham area to earn a penalty that Bowen stepped up to stroke cooly home.

Newport wasted no time in grabbing a second to take the lead on 56 minutes.

Bowen was again involved as he combined down the right flank with Steve Jenkins, whose cross was headed home by Hughes.

Hughes and Bowen both had good chances to make County's lead safe and they should have been made to pay.

But Wrexham striker Lee McEvilly mis-kicked with the goal at his mercy to waste a golden chance to send the tie into extra time.

The Dragons now have just their League Two relegation struggle left to occupy them this season.

South Wales Argus

MAR-01

Cup is just the ticket for Jones

Carmarthen Journal

MAR-01

Swans skipper out for the season

Dennis Lawrence and Kevin Amankwaah are suspended for Saturday's game against Leyton Orient at the Liberty Stadium.

BBC

MAR-01

Newport boss targets the double

The winners of that semi-final will face The New Saints in the final, with a £100,000 prize at stake.

BBC